Molecular Characterization of Endophytic Fungi from the Leaves of Beruwas Laut (Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb.) as Antibacterial Producer

Abstract

Due to genetic transfer between the endophytic fungi and the host plant, the endophytic fungi may produce bioactive chemicals and secondary metabolites that are either identical to, distinct from, or even superior to those of their hosts, as such endophytic fungi have the propensity to produce useful and unique substances. 5,6 Endophytic fungi also have a short life cycle and can produce large amounts of bioactive compounds, making them a large reservoir of natural, economical, and environmentally friendly sources of medicinal materials. 7 Endophytic fungi can be utilised for timely and large-scale production of antibacterial agents without causing ecological damage. 8 Endophytes represent a microbial community that lives within plants without displaying any noticeable symptoms, offering the potential for generating a wide array of bioactive compounds and new metabolites. These substances have practical applications in medicine, agriculture, and various industrial settings. Strobel and Daisy, [9][10][11] suggested that endophytes represent a valuable source of secondary metabolites. They compared Pestalotiopsis sp. to "the E. coli of the rain forests" and labeled P. microspora as a "microbial factory" producing bioactive secondary metabolites. Their research has led to the identification of several chemical structures, including those of subglutinols A and B, taxol, ambuic acid, cryptocandin, and torreyanic acid. Various chemical classes, including alkaloids, cytochalasines, flavonoids, furandiones, phenylpropanoids, lignans, peptides, phenols, phenolic acids, steroids, terpenoids, quinones, aliphatic acids, and chlorinated compounds, are represented among the endophyte-derived metabolites.