Variation in antibacterial properties of endophytic fungi isolated from Phaeophytes and Rhodophytes of Johor, Malaysia

Abstract

Aim: To identify endophytic fungi of tropical macroalgae and analyse variation in antibacterial activity. Methodology: Endophytic fungi were aseptically isolated from macroalgae tissue, identified by macroscopic and microscopic observations, screened for the presence of antibacterial activity using cross streak and disc diffusion methods against six human pathogenic bacteria. Results: A total of 27 endophytic fungi were isolated and identified from 7 species of macroalgae collected from the Johor coast, Malaysia. Twenty-three fungal isolates belonged to Ascomycota, while two belonged to Zygomycota and Oomycota, respectively. Aspergillus niger was the most common and abundant endophyte found in macroalgal samples. Preliminary screening determined 13 species (48.15%) having positive antibacterial activity. Quantitative analysis of antibacterial activity showed significant differences (p< 0.01) against six human pathogenic bacteria. Two fungal isolates indicated strong and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity namely, Pythium sp. and Trichoderma viride. Interpretation: The findings demonstrate that certain macroalgae-derived endophytic fungi from Johor possess antibacterial properties and can be potentially new antibiotic sources, which are hitherto under-reported.

Algae: Study of Edible and Biologically Active Fractions, Their Properties and Applications

“…The antimicrobial effect of algae may be due to their active substance contents but also to secondary metabolites formed by endophytic fungi present in these plants. For example, the antimicrobial properties of fungi extracts isolated from the brown algae P. pavonica against S. aureus , E. coli , and C. albicans were demonstrated [ 122 ]. Agar diffusion was used as an analysis method.…”

Review: Potensi Jamur Endofit dari Divisi Alga Hijau (Chlorophyta) sebagai Antibakteri beserta Kandungan Senyawa Bioaktifnya

“…Aktivitas antibakteri tergolong lemah apabila diameter zona hambatnya < 5 mm; sedang apabila zona hambatnya 6-10 mm; kuat apabila zona hambatnya 11-20 mm; dan sangat kuat apabila zona hambatnya ≥ 20 mm [17]. Berdasarkan tabel 1, zona hambat yang paling besar terhadap strain bakteri S. aureus, E.coli, S. marcescens, Shigella sp dan S.typhi ditunjukkan oleh ekstrak etil asetat jamur endofit Pythium sp yang diisolasi dari alga hijau U. lactuca dengan diameter zona hambat 39.75±2.96 mm; 43.83±4.01 mm; 26.00±1.21mm; 60.17±4.47 dan 23.00±1.35 mm [24]. Jamur endofit Pythium sp ini mampu menghancurkan bakteri patogen dengan membentuk jenis penghambatan yang rentan terhadap strain bakteri patogen diatas [30], [24].…”

“…Berdasarkan tabel 1, zona hambat yang paling besar terhadap strain bakteri S. aureus, E.coli, S. marcescens, Shigella sp dan S.typhi ditunjukkan oleh ekstrak etil asetat jamur endofit Pythium sp yang diisolasi dari alga hijau U. lactuca dengan diameter zona hambat 39.75±2.96 mm; 43.83±4.01 mm; 26.00±1.21mm; 60.17±4.47 dan 23.00±1.35 mm [24]. Jamur endofit Pythium sp ini mampu menghancurkan bakteri patogen dengan membentuk jenis penghambatan yang rentan terhadap strain bakteri patogen diatas [30], [24]. Berdasarkan hasil review ini, jamur endofit Pythium sp.…”

“…mayoritas memiliki aktivitas antibakteri paling besar dari seluruh jamur endofit. Dimana telah diketahui dari hasil penelitian Zainee et al terdapat pigmen hijau yang terbentuk di sekitar zona penghambatan, dimana pigmen tersebut diduga dari respon antagonis jamur terhadap keberadaan bakteri patogen [24].…”

Antibacterial activity and bioactive compounds of a marine macroalgae endophytic fungi, Hypoxylon monticulosum

“…Ulva lactuca is a green macroalgae (Chlorophyta) member that dominates the Johor coast, the southernmost part of Malaysia (Zainee et al, 2019). This autotrophic multicellular marine organism is home to diverse marine endophytic fungi (Zainee et al, 2018a;2018b).…”