Perylenequinones act as broad-spectrum fungicides by generating reactive oxygen species both in the dark and in the light.
Natural perylenequinonoid pigments (PQPs) have long been known as excellent photosensitizers. Here it is reported that PQPs, when dispersed into a micellar system, are unexpectedly very effective in inhibiting the growth of various fungi in the dark and that light can enhance the activity further. In both cases, reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role. The unique ROS-based antifungal mechanism and the excellent physicochemical properties of PQPs promise the advent of a new generation of wide-spectrum agrofungicides.
Xing
Mei-Zi
MZ
School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, People's Republic of China.
Zhang
Xi-Zhen
XZ
Sun
Zhen-Ling
ZL
Zhang
Hong-Yu
HY
D016573:Agrochemicals; D005659:Fungicides, Industrial / Q000737:chemistry*; D008027:Light; D010569:Perylene / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011809:Quinones / Q000737:chemistry*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000737:chemistry*; D013481:Superoxides / Q000737:chemistry
D016573:Agrochemicals; D005659:Fungicides, Industrial; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011809:Quinones; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D013481:Superoxides; D010569:Perylene