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The quorum‐sensing molecule 2‐phenylethanol impaired conidial germination, hyphal membrane integrity and growth of Penicillium expansum and Penicillium nordicum
Author(s) -
Huang C.,
Qian Y.,
Viana T.,
Siegumfeldt H.,
Arneborg N.,
Larsen N.,
Jespersen L.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/jam.14621
Subject(s) - penicillium expansum , germination , biology , spore germination , microbiology and biotechnology , membrane permeability , penicillium , hypha , conidium , food science , botany , biochemistry , postharvest , membrane
Aims The aim of the study was to investigate the antifungal effects of a quorum sensing‐molecule, 2‐phenylethanol, against the food spoilage moulds Penicillium expansum and Penicillium nordicum.Methods and Results Conidial germination of the tested Penicillium spp. (three strains in total) were inhibited by treatments with 2‐phenylethanol in a concentration‐dependent manner. Germinated conidia was significantly reduced from 4·4–16·7% at 7·5 mmol l −1 and completely inhibited at 15 mmol l −1 2‐phenylethanol. Integrity of conidial cell membranes was unaffected by 2‐phenylethanol resulting in reversible inhibition pattern of germination. In contrast, membrane permeability of actively growing hyphae was severely compromised, showing 63·5 – 75·7% membrane damage upon treatment with 15 mmol l −1 2‐phenylethanol. The overall inhibitory effect of 2‐phenylethanol on colony development and growth of P. expansum and P. nordicum was additionally confirmed. Conclusions 2‐phenylethanol inhibits conidial germination and growth of P. expansum and P. nordicum in a nonlethal, reversible and concentration‐dependent manner. Significance and Impact of the Study The study indicates that 2‐phenylethanol can find potential application as an antifungal agent for biological control of moulds in the food industry.