Low molecular weight chitosan is an effective antifungal agent against Botryosphaeria sp. and preservative agent for pear (Pyrus) fruits.
Antifungal activity and preservative effect of a low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) sample, derived from chitosan by enzymatic hydrolysis, were investigated in vitro and in vivo. A pathogenic fungal strain was isolated from decayed pear (Pyrus bretschneideri cv. "Huangguan") fruit and identified as Botryosphaeria sp. W-01. LMWC was shown to strongly inhibit W-01 growth based on studies of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and effects on mycelial biomass and radial growth of the fungus. LMWC treatment of W-01 cells reduced ergosterol synthesis and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔY), early events of apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy studies revealed that LMWC penetrated inside W-01 hyphae, thereby inducing ultrastructural damage. LMWC coating had a significant preservative effect on wounded and nonwounded pear fruits, by inhibiting postharvest decay and browning processes. LMWC activated several defense-related enzymes (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, chitinase), maintained nutritional value, and slowed down weight loss. Our findings indicate the strong potential of LMWC as a natural preservative agent for fruits and vegetables.
State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China.
Yunguang
Y
Wang
State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China.
Bin
B
Li
State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China.
Xuedan
X
Zhang
State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China; Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Industrial Fermentation, Wuhan 430070, PR China.
Nan
N
Peng
State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China. Electronic address: mei@mail.hzau.edu.cn.
Yuxia
Y
Mei
State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China; Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Industrial Fermentation, Wuhan 430070, PR China. Electronic address: lyxhzau@gmail.com.
Yunxiang
Y
Liang
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D004156:Catechol Oxidase / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D002688:Chitinases / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D004875:Ergosterol / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005520:Food Preservatives / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005638:Fruit / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000382:microbiology; D006868:Hydrolysis; D025301:Hyphae / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure; D053078:Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / Q000187:drug effects; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D010802:Phylogeny; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000819:agonists* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D031989:Pyrus; D004718:Saccharomycetales / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D005520:Food Preservatives; D010940:Plant Proteins; D048271:Chitosan; D004156:Catechol Oxidase; D009195:Peroxidase; D002688:Chitinases; D004875:Ergosterol
Antifungal activity; Botryosphaeria sp; Low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC); Pear fruit; Preservative agent