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Microorganisms
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Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products
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Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 15178

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rosário Martins

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Guest Editor
1. School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESS|P: PORTO), Porto, Portugal
2. Portugal/Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Porto, Portugal
Interests: biotechnology; cyanobacteria; natural products
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Maria De Fátima Carvalho

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros de Leixões, AV. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Interests: bioprospection; actinobacteria; bioactive metabolites; discovery of new natural compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mónica Vieira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESS|P: PORTO), Porto, Portugal
Interests: health biotechnology; analytical chromatography; quantification of biomolecules; antimicrobial resistance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microbial infections are responsible for millions of deaths every year and worldwide. The increased resistance to antimicrobial drugs, such as antibiotics, is the main cause and is one of the biggest challenges in human and animal health and in food safety. It is well known that human pathogenic microorganisms resistant to major classes of antibiotics have increased due to the indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs. Therefore, the search for the discovery of new antimicrobial agents is in urgent demand.

Finding therapeutic powers in nature is an ancient but increasingly actual idea. In recent years, strategies to overcome the resistance of antibiotics have been suggested, namely the use of phytochemicals. Natural compounds have already proved to be effective and safe sources of antimicrobial compounds and eco-friendly methodologies focused on reducing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. This Special Issue is directed to ethnopharmacologists, botanists, microbiologists, and natural-products chemists working on developing new approaches for the treatment of infectious diseases. Papers based on the investigation of new sources of natural antimicrobial compounds or mechanisms of action of natural compounds are most welcome.

Dr. Rosário Martins
Dr. Maria De Fátima Carvalho
Dr. Mónica Vieira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

 

Keywords

  • antimicrobial activity
  • bacteria
  • cyanobacteria
  • fungi
  • antibiotic resistance
  • natural compounds

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3676 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Antibiotic-Resistance Antarctic Pseudomonas That Produce Bacteriocin-like Compounds
by Nancy Calisto, Laura Navarro, Cristian Iribarren, Paz Orellana, Claudio Gómez, Lorena Salazar, Ana Gutiérrez, Carlos Aranda, Alex R. González, Mario Tello, Piedad Cortés-Cortés, Manuel Gidekel and Gino Corsini
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030530 - 06 Mar 2024
Viewed by 684
Abstract
In this study, bacterial isolates C1-4-7, D2-4-6, and M1-4-11 from Antarctic soil were phenotypically and genotypically characterized, and their antibacterial spectrum and that of cell-free culture supernatant were investigated. Finally, the effect of temperature and culture medium on the production of antimicrobial compounds [...] Read more.
In this study, bacterial isolates C1-4-7, D2-4-6, and M1-4-11 from Antarctic soil were phenotypically and genotypically characterized, and their antibacterial spectrum and that of cell-free culture supernatant were investigated. Finally, the effect of temperature and culture medium on the production of antimicrobial compounds was investigated. The three bacteria were identified as different strains of the genus Pseudomonas. The three bacteria were multi-drug resistant to antibiotics. They exhibited different patterns of growth inhibition of pathogenic bacteria. M1-4-11 was remarkable for inhibiting the entire set of pathogenic bacteria tested. All three bacteria demonstrated optimal production of antimicrobial compounds at 15 °C and 18 °C. Among the culture media studied, Nutrient broth would be the most suitable to promote the production of antimicrobial compounds. The thermostability exhibited by the antimicrobial molecules secreted, their size of less than 10 kDa, and their protein nature would indicate that these molecules are bacteriocin-like compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products)
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17 pages, 4698 KiB  
Article
Phage Lytic Protein CHAPSH3b Encapsulated in Niosomes and Gelatine Films
by Verdiana Marchianò, Ana Catarina Duarte, Seila Agún, Susana Luque, Ismael Marcet, Lucía Fernández, María Matos, Mª del Carmen Blanco, Pilar García and Gemma Gutiérrez
Microorganisms 2024, 12(1), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010119 - 06 Jan 2024
Viewed by 969
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global health challenge, sparking worldwide interest in exploring the antimicrobial potential of natural compounds as an alternative to conventional antibiotics. In recent years, one area of focus has been the utilization of bacteriophages and their derivative [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global health challenge, sparking worldwide interest in exploring the antimicrobial potential of natural compounds as an alternative to conventional antibiotics. In recent years, one area of focus has been the utilization of bacteriophages and their derivative proteins. Specifically, phage lytic proteins, or endolysins, are specialized enzymes that induce bacterial cell lysis and can be efficiently produced and purified following overexpression in bacteria. Nonetheless, a significant limitation of these proteins is their vulnerability to certain environmental conditions, which may impair their effectiveness. Encapsulating endolysins in vesicles could mitigate this issue by providing added protection to the proteins, enabling controlled release, and enhancing their stability, particularly at temperatures around 4 °C. In this work, the chimeric lytic protein CHAPSH3b was encapsulated within non-ionic surfactant-based vesicles (niosomes) created using the thin film hydrating method (TFH). These protein-loaded niosomes were then characterized, revealing sizes in the range of 30–80 nm, zeta potentials between 30 and 50 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 50–60%. Additionally, with the objective of exploring their potential application in the food industry, these endolysin-loaded niosomes were incorporated into gelatine films. This was carried out to evaluate their stability and antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products)
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15 pages, 5565 KiB  
Article
The Primary Mode of Action of Lippia graveolens Essential Oil on Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica Serovar Typhimurium
by Annie Rubio Ortega, Elodie Guinoiseau, Jean-Pierre Poli, Yann Quilichini, Dominique de Rocca Serra, Maria del Carmen Travieso Novelles, Ivette Espinosa Castaño, Oriela Pino Pérez, Liliane Berti and Vannina Lorenzi
Microorganisms 2023, 11(12), 2943; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11122943 - 08 Dec 2023
Viewed by 739
Abstract
Essential oils are known to exhibit diverse antimicrobial properties, showing their value as a natural resource. Our work aimed to investigate the primary mode of action of Cuban Lippia graveolens (Kunth) essential oil (EO) against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. [...] Read more.
Essential oils are known to exhibit diverse antimicrobial properties, showing their value as a natural resource. Our work aimed to investigate the primary mode of action of Cuban Lippia graveolens (Kunth) essential oil (EO) against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. enterica ser. Typhimurium). We assessed cell integrity through various assays, including time-kill bacteriolysis, loss of cell material with absorption at 260 and 280 nm, total protein leakage, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The impact of L. graveolens EO on membrane depolarization was monitored and levels of intracellular and extracellular ATP were measured by fluorescence intensity. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) of L. graveolens EO were 0.4 and 0.8 mg/mL, respectively. This EO exhibited notable bactericidal effects on treated cells within 15 min without lysis or leakage of cellular material. TEM showed distinct alterations in cellular ultrastructure, including membrane shrinkage and cytoplasmic content redistribution. We also observed disruption of the membrane potential along with reduced intracellular and extracellular ATP concentrations. These findings show that L. graveolens EO induces the death of S. enterica ser. Typhimurium, important information that can be used to combat this foodborne disease-causing agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products)
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18 pages, 3084 KiB  
Article
Extracts of Talaromyces purpureogenus Strains from Apis mellifera Bee Bread Inhibit the Growth of Paenibacillus spp. In Vitro
by Katerina Vocadlova, Tim Lüddecke, Maria A. Patras, Michael Marner, Christoph Hartwig, Karel Benes, Vladimir Matha, Petr Mraz, Till F. Schäberle and Andreas Vilcinskas
Microorganisms 2023, 11(8), 2067; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11082067 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1191
Abstract
Honey bees coexist with fungi that colonize hive surfaces and pollen. Some of these fungi are opportunistic pathogens, but many are beneficial species that produce antimicrobial compounds for pollen conservation and the regulation of pathogen populations. In this study, we tested the in [...] Read more.
Honey bees coexist with fungi that colonize hive surfaces and pollen. Some of these fungi are opportunistic pathogens, but many are beneficial species that produce antimicrobial compounds for pollen conservation and the regulation of pathogen populations. In this study, we tested the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Talaromyces purpureogenus strains isolated from bee bread against Paenibacillus alvei (associated with European foulbrood disease) and three Aspergillus species that cause stonebrood disease. We found that methanol extracts of T. purpureogenus strains B18 and B195 inhibited the growth of P. alvei at a concentration of 0.39 mg/mL. Bioactivity-guided dereplication revealed that the activity of the crude extracts correlated with the presence of diketopiperazines, a siderophore, and three unknown compounds. We propose that non-pathogenic fungi such as Talaromyces spp. and their metabolites in bee bread could be an important requirement to prevent disease. Agricultural practices involving the use of fungicides can disrupt the fungal community and thus negatively affect the health of bee colonies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products)
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17 pages, 2762 KiB  
Article
Cell Envelope Modifications Generating Resistance to Hop Beta Acids and Collateral Sensitivity to Cationic Antimicrobials in Listeria monocytogenes
by Maarten Goedseels and Chris W. Michiels
Microorganisms 2023, 11(8), 2024; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11082024 - 07 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1098
Abstract
Hop beta acids (HBAs) are characteristic compounds from the hop plant that are of interest for their strong antimicrobial activity. In this work, we report a resistance mechanism against HBA in the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. Using an evolution experiment, we isolated [...] Read more.
Hop beta acids (HBAs) are characteristic compounds from the hop plant that are of interest for their strong antimicrobial activity. In this work, we report a resistance mechanism against HBA in the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. Using an evolution experiment, we isolated two HBA-resistant mutants with mutations in the mprF gene, which codes for the Multiple Peptide Resistance Factor, an enzyme that confers resistance to cationic peptides and antibiotics in several Gram-positive bacteria by lysinylating membrane phospholipids. Besides the deletion of mprF, the deletion of dltA, which mediates the alanylation of teichoic acids, resulted in increased HBA resistance, suggesting that resistance may be caused by a reduction in positive charges on the cell surface. Additionally, we found that this resistance is maintained at low pH, indicating that the resistance mechanism is not solely based on electrostatic interactions of HBA with the cell surface. Finally, we showed that the HBA-resistant mutants display collateral sensitivity to the cationic antimicrobials polymyxin B and nisin, which may open perspectives for combining antimicrobials to prevent resistance development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products)
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11 pages, 1064 KiB  
Article
Gausemycin A-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Demonstrates Affected Cell Membrane and Cell Wall Homeostasis
by Darya V. Poshvina, Diana S. Dilbaryan and Alexey S. Vasilchenko
Microorganisms 2023, 11(5), 1330; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11051330 - 18 May 2023
Viewed by 1313
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a significant and pressing issue in the medical field, as numerous strains of infectious bacteria have become resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that poses a grave threat, as it is responsible for a large number [...] Read more.
Antibiotic resistance is a significant and pressing issue in the medical field, as numerous strains of infectious bacteria have become resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that poses a grave threat, as it is responsible for a large number of nosocomial infections and has high mortality rates worldwide. Gausemycin A is a new lipoglycopeptide antibiotic that has considerable efficacy against multidrug-resistant S. aureus strains. Although the cellular targets of gausemycin A have been previously identified, detailing the molecular processes of action is still needed. We performed gene expression analysis to identify molecular mechanisms that may be involved in bacterial resistance to gausemycin A. In the present study, we observed that gausemycin A-resistant S. aureus in the late-exponential phase showed an increased expression of genes involved in cell wall turnover (sceD), membrane charge (dltA), phospholipid metabolism (pgsA), the two-component stress-response system (vraS), and the Clp proteolytic system (clpX). The increased expression of these genes implies that changes in the cell wall and cell membrane are essential for the bacterial resistance to gausemycin A. In the stationary phase, we observed a decrease in the expression of genes involved in the phospholipid metabolism (mprF) and Clp proteolytic system (clpX). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products)
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15 pages, 1607 KiB  
Article
Nutritional Value and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity of Wild Macrofungi
by Lina Rocío Dávila Giraldo, Claudia Cristina Pérez Jaramillo, Jonh Jairo Méndez Arteaga and Walter Murillo-Arango
Microorganisms 2023, 11(5), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11051158 - 28 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1610
Abstract
Macrofungi are among the most promising sources of biologically active natural products with nutritional qualities and therapeutic values. In this work, the nutritional value of nine species of wild macrofungi from Ibague-Tolima (Colombia) was evaluated. In addition the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities [...] Read more.
Macrofungi are among the most promising sources of biologically active natural products with nutritional qualities and therapeutic values. In this work, the nutritional value of nine species of wild macrofungi from Ibague-Tolima (Colombia) was evaluated. In addition the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of an ethanol:water (70:30) extract of wild basidiomata were evaluated. The wild mushrooms’ nutritional potential showed that the genus Pleurotus and Lentinus have the best protein percentages, with 18.4% and 18.5%. The nine extracts evaluated managed to stabilize the two radicals evaluated; however, lower IC50 was found for Phellinus gilvus and Ganoderma australe extracts. The results showed that Trametes coccinea, Pleurotus floridanus and Ganoderma australe extracts were the most effective as antimicrobials, with high inhibition percentages against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antifungal activity results against Rhizopus oryzae, Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus niger showed that the nine extracts were effective at the concentrations tested. Considering cell viability against isolated leukocytes, seven of the nine extracts showed percentages higher than 50% of cell viability. This research describes the nutritional value of nine wild macrofungi in Colombia and their potential for antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products)
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14 pages, 6502 KiB  
Article
Biological Activities and Biochemical Composition of Endemic Achillea fraasii
by Yagmur Tunca-Pinarli, Atakan Benek, Dilay Turu, Mustafa Eray Bozyel, Kerem Canli and Ergin Murat Altuner
Microorganisms 2023, 11(4), 978; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11040978 - 09 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1271
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antibiofilm activities and the biochemical composition of Achillea fraasii. The antimicrobial activity of A. fraasii ethanol extract (AFEt) was tested against 48 strains, and this is the first study testing the antimicrobial activity [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antibiofilm activities and the biochemical composition of Achillea fraasii. The antimicrobial activity of A. fraasii ethanol extract (AFEt) was tested against 48 strains, and this is the first study testing the antimicrobial activity of this plant to this extent. The antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay, and the antibiofilm activity of A. fraasii aqueous extract (AFAq) against five strains was assessed. The chemical composition of the plant extract was determined using GC-MS with artemisia ketone (19.41%) as the main component. The findings indicated that AFEt displayed antimicrobial activity against 38 strains, with a particular efficacy observed against various Staphylococcus aureus strains, such as S. aureus ATCC 25923, clinically isolated, multidrug resistant (MDR), and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains. In addition, the highest activity was observed against Enterococcus faecium. Moreover, the extract demonstrated activity against Candida strains. The plant extract also showed relatively good antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid, with an EC50 value of 55.52 µg/mL. However, AFAq acted as a biofilm activator against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, increasing the biofilm formation by 2.63-fold. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential of A. fraasii as a source of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products)
11 pages, 310 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Activity of Some Medicinal Herbs to the Treatment of Cutaneous and Mucocutaneous Infections: Preliminary Research
by Alexandra Noites, Iara Borges, Bruno Araújo, Joaquim C. G. Esteves da Silva, Natália M. de Oliveira, Jorge Machado and Eugénia Pinto
Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020272 - 20 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1750
Abstract
(1) Background: Superficial, including cutaneous and mucocutaneous infections are a current public health problem with universal distribution. One of the main concerns, in the present/future, is fungal/bacterial infections by resistant microorganisms. This study aimed to verify if decoctions of coptidis (Coptis chinensis [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Superficial, including cutaneous and mucocutaneous infections are a current public health problem with universal distribution. One of the main concerns, in the present/future, is fungal/bacterial infections by resistant microorganisms. This study aimed to verify if decoctions of coptidis (Coptis chinensis, Ranunculaceae family), neem (Azadirachta indica, Meliaceae family), and their essential oils (EOs), as well as the EO of manuka (Leptospermum scoparium, Myrtaceae family) have antimicrobial activity against prevalent species of microorganisms responsible for superficial infections. (2) Methods: The antimicrobial activity was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), using broth microdilution method, and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) was determined from subculture of MIC plates. (3) Results: C. chinensis EO and decoction demonstrated some antifungal action against the yeasts and dermatophytes tested. Greatest bactericidal effect against Propionibacterium acnes and some action against Staphylococcus aureus was observed. For A. indica only EO proved activity against dermatophytes and P. acnes. L. scoparium EO showed the broadest antimicrobial spectrum with activity against bacteria, yeasts, and dermatophytes showing greater activity against P. acnes and S. aureus. (4) Conclusions: C. chinensis (EO/decoction), EOs of L. scoparium and A. indica proved in vitro efficacy against fungal, bacterial, or mixed agents of superficial infections, either by sensitive or resistant strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products)

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16 pages, 1310 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Bioactive Potential of Pisolithus (Basidiomycota): Comprehensive Insights into Antimicrobial, Anticancer, and Antioxidant Properties for Innovative Applications
by Rui S. Oliveira, Marco Preto, Germana Santos, Ana Margarida Silva, Vitor Vasconcelos and Rosário Martins
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030450 - 23 Feb 2024
Viewed by 800
Abstract
Addressing pressing health concerns, modern medical research seeks to identify new antimicrobials to combat drug resistance, novel molecules for cancer treatment, and antioxidants for inflammation-related diseases. Pisolithus (Basidiomycota) is a ubiquitous and widely distributed fungal genus in forest ecosystems, known for establishing ectomycorrhizal [...] Read more.
Addressing pressing health concerns, modern medical research seeks to identify new antimicrobials to combat drug resistance, novel molecules for cancer treatment, and antioxidants for inflammation-related diseases. Pisolithus (Basidiomycota) is a ubiquitous and widely distributed fungal genus in forest ecosystems, known for establishing ectomycorrhizal associations with a range of host plants, enhancing their growth, and conferring protection against biotic and abiotic stresses. Beyond ecological applications, Pisolithus yields bioactive compounds with medicinal potential. This comprehensive review explores the transversal biological activity of Pisolithus fungi, aiming to provide a thorough overview of their antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant potential. The focus is on elucidating bioactive compounds within Pisolithus to trigger further research for innovative applications. Compounds from Pisolithus displayed antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The efficacy of Pisolithus-derived compounds matched established medications, emphasizing their therapeutic potential. In anticancer research, the triterpene pisosterol stood out with documented cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines, showcasing promise for novel anticancer therapies. Pisolithus was also recognized as a potential source of antioxidants, with basidiocarps exhibiting high antioxidant activity. In vivo validation and comprehensive studies on a broader range of compounds, together with mechanistic insights into the mode of action of Pisolithus-derived compounds, are compelling areas for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products)
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22 pages, 813 KiB  
Review
Antifungal Potential of Capsaicinoids and Capsinoids from the Capsicum Genus for the Safeguarding of Agrifood Production: Advantages and Limitations for Environmental Health
by Jéssica Costa, Marcela Sepúlveda, Víctor Gallardo, Yasna Cayún, Christian Santander, Antonieta Ruíz, Marjorie Reyes, Carla Santos, Pablo Cornejo, Nelson Lima and Cledir Santos
Microorganisms 2022, 10(12), 2387; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10122387 - 30 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2470
Abstract
Opportunistic pathogenic fungi arise in agricultural crops as well as in surrounding human daily life. The recent increase in antifungal-resistant strains has created the need for new effective antifungals, particularly those based on plant secondary metabolites, such as capsaicinoids and capsinoids produced by [...] Read more.
Opportunistic pathogenic fungi arise in agricultural crops as well as in surrounding human daily life. The recent increase in antifungal-resistant strains has created the need for new effective antifungals, particularly those based on plant secondary metabolites, such as capsaicinoids and capsinoids produced by Capsicum species. The use of such natural compounds is well-aligned with the One Health approach, which tries to find an equilibrium among people, animals, and the environment. Considering this, the main objective of the present work is to review the antifungal potential of capsaicinoids and capsinoids, and to evaluate the environmental and health impacts of biofungicides based on these compounds. Overall, capsaicinoids and their analogues can be used to control pathogenic fungi growth in plant crops, as eco-friendly alternatives to pest management, and assist in the conservation and long-term storage of agrifood products. Their application in different stages of the agricultural and food production chains improves food safety, nutritional value, and overcomes antimicrobial resistance, with a lower associated risk to humans, animals, and the environment than that of synthetic fungicides and pesticides. Nevertheless, research on the effect of these compounds on bee-like beneficial insects and the development of new preservatives and packaging materials is still necessary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products)
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