Huang C, Qian Y, Viana T, Siegumfeldt H, Arneborg N, Larsen N, Jespersen L. The quorum-sensing molecule 2-phenylethanol impaired conidial germination, hyphal membrane integrity and growth of Penicillium expansum and Penicillium nordicum.
J Appl Microbiol 2020;
129:278-286. [PMID:
32097516 DOI:
10.1111/jam.14621]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS
The aim of the study was to investigate the antifungal effects of a quorum sensing-molecule, 2-phenylethanol, against the food spoilage moulds Penicillium expansum and Penicillium nordicum.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Conidial germination of the tested Penicillium spp. (three strains in total) were inhibited by treatments with 2-phenylethanol in a concentration-dependent manner. Germinated conidia was significantly reduced from 4·4-16·7% at 7·5 mmol l-1 and completely inhibited at 15 mmol l-1 2-phenylethanol. Integrity of conidial cell membranes was unaffected by 2-phenylethanol resulting in reversible inhibition pattern of germination. In contrast, membrane permeability of actively growing hyphae was severely compromised, showing 63·5 - 75·7% membrane damage upon treatment with 15 mmol l-1 2-phenylethanol. The overall inhibitory effect of 2-phenylethanol on colony development and growth of P. expansum and P. nordicum was additionally confirmed.
CONCLUSIONS
2-phenylethanol inhibits conidial germination and growth of P. expansum and P. nordicum in a nonlethal, reversible and concentration-dependent manner.
SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY
The study indicates that 2-phenylethanol can find potential application as an antifungal agent for biological control of moulds in the food industry.
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