title: Aspergilli Response to Benzalkonium Chloride and Novel-Synthesized Fullerenol/Benzalkonium Chloride Nanocomposite.
abstract: A comprehensive comparative analysis of antifungal potential of benzalkonium chloride and newly synthesized fullerenol/benzalkonium chloride nanocomposite was conducted to assess the possible impact of carbon-based nanocarrier on antimicrobial properties of the commonly used biocide. Physical characterization of synthesized nanocomposite showed zeta potential of +37.4 mV and inhomogeneous particles size distribution, with nanocomposite particles' dimensions within 30-143 nm and maximum number of particles at 44 nm. The effect of pure and fullerenol nanocarrier-bound biocide was evaluated in eight Aspergillus species. In mycelial growth assay, nanocomposite was more potent, as fungicidal effect of 1.04/0.6 μg mL(-1) was obtained in all but one of the isolates (A. niger), while proportional concentration of pure biocide (0.6 μg mL(-1)) completely inhibited mycelial growth of only three Aspergillus species. However, conidia appear to be less susceptible to nanocomposite treatment, as lower fungistatic (MIC) and fungicidal (MFC) concentrations were obtained with biocide alone (MIC in range from 0.03 to 0.15 μg mL(-1) and MFC from 0.075 to 0.45 μg mL(-1)). To a different degree, both substances stimulated aflatoxin B1 production and inhibited ochratoxin A synthesis. Very low mycelium biomass yield, in range from 1.0 to 3.0 mg dry weight, was documented in both biocide and nanocomposite enriched medium.
authors: Department of Algology, Mycology and Lichenology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden "Jevremovac", Takovska 43, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia.
authors: Nikola
authors: N
authors: Unković
authors: Department of Algology, Mycology and Lichenology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden "Jevremovac", Takovska 43, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia.
authors: Milica
authors: M
authors: Ljaljević Grbić
authors: Department of Algology, Mycology and Lichenology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden "Jevremovac", Takovska 43, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia.
authors: Miloš
authors: M
authors: Stupar
authors: Department of Algology, Mycology and Lichenology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden "Jevremovac", Takovska 43, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia.
authors: Jelena
authors: J
authors: Vukojević
authors: Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Kaćanskog 13, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia.
authors: Vesna
authors: V
authors: Janković
authors: Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Science, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
authors: Danica
authors: D
authors: Jović
authors: Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Science, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
authors: Aleksandar
authors: A
authors: Djordjević
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018533:Biomass; D037741:Fullerenes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009183:Mycotoxins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010316:Particle Size
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds; D037741:Fullerenes; D009183:Mycotoxins; C108127:fullerenol