Synthetic Rhamnolipid Bolaforms trigger an innate immune response in Arabidopsis thaliana

Sci Rep. 2018 Jun 4;8(1):8534. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-26838-y.

Abstract

Stimulation of plant innate immunity by natural and synthetic elicitors is a promising alternative to conventional pesticides for a more sustainable agriculture. Sugar-based bolaamphiphiles are known for their biocompatibility, biodegradability and low toxicity. In this work, we show that Synthetic Rhamnolipid Bolaforms (SRBs) that have been synthesized by green chemistry trigger Arabidopsis innate immunity. Using structure-function analysis, we demonstrate that SRBs, depending on the acyl chain length, differentially activate early and late immunity-related plant defense responses and provide local increase in resistance to plant pathogenic bacteria. Our biophysical data suggest that SRBs can interact with plant biomimetic plasma membrane and open the possibility of a lipid driven process for plant-triggered immunity by SRBs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / immunology*
  • Glycolipids* / chemical synthesis
  • Glycolipids* / chemistry
  • Glycolipids* / pharmacology
  • Green Chemistry Technology
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Plant Immunity / drug effects*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Glycolipids
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • rhamnolipid