Discovery, Characterization, and Application of Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Peptide AtR905 from Aspergillus terreus as a Biocontrol Agent

• Published in: Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 2024-12
• Main Authors: Zhao, Yang, Liu, Fang, Lan, Xing, Xu, Wenxing, Dong, Wubei, Ke, Shaoyong, Wu, Hongqu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0021-8561; 1520-5118; 1520-5118
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c09294

This study investigates a novel antimicrobial peptide AtR905 derived from the endophytic fungus , which was successfully expressed in , purified, and characterized, and highlighted as a promising potential biocontrol agent against various plant pathogens. The results indicated AtR905 exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against key pathogens such as and with very low minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Stability tests confirmed that AtR905 retains its antimicrobial properties under varying thermal, pH, and UV conditions. The Oxford Cup test indicated that AtR905 showed obvious fungicidal activity against six plant pathogenic fungi, especially and . Additionally, in vivo experimental demonstrated AtR905 could effectively control the on tobacco leaves and on tomato plants. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant membrane disruption in bacterial cells treated with AtR905. These findings suggest that AtR905 is a promising candidate for sustainable plant disease management, potentially reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and mitigating the issue of antibiotic resistance in agricultural settings. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term field applicability and ecological impacts of AtR905.