Aims: Aspergillus fungi are common members of the soil microbiota. Some physiological and structural characteristics of Aspergillus species make them important participants in soil ecological processes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG), a common metabolite of soil and rhizosphere bacteria, on the physiology of Aspergillus fumigatus.
Methods and results: Integrated analysis using microscopy, spectrophotometry, and liquid chromatography showed the following effects of 2,4-DAPG on Aspergillus physiology. It was found that A. fumigatus in the biofilm state is resistant to high concentrations of 2,4-DAPG. However, experimental exposure led to a depletion of the extracellular polymeric substance, changes in the structure of the cell wall of the mycelium (increase in the content of α- and β-glucans, chitin, and ergosterol), and conidia (decrease in the content of DHN-melanin). 2,4-DAPG significantly reduced the production of mycotoxins (gliotoxin and fumagillin) but increased the secretion of proteases and galactosaminogalactan.
Conclusions: Overall, the data obtained suggest that 2,4-DAPG-producing Pseudomonas bacteria are unlikely to directly eliminate A. fumigatus fungi, as they exhibit a high level of resistance when in the biofilm state. However, at low concentrations, 2,4-DAPG significantly alters the physiology of aspergilli, potentially reducing the adaptive and competitive capabilities of these fungi.
Keywords: antimicrobials; bacterial-fungal interaction; biocontrol agents; fungal physiology; mycotoxins; soil ecology.
© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Applied Microbiology International.