# Endophytic fungi of Aegle marmelos as a source of novel antibacterials and anti-SARS-CoV agents

## TL;DR

This study explores endophytic fungi from Aegle marmelos for new antibacterial and anti-SARS-CoV agents, finding a promising extract with strong activity against pathogens and SARS-CoV-2.

## Contribution

The study identifies a novel fungal strain with potent antibacterial and anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties, offering a new source for drug discovery.

## Key findings

- The ethyl acetate extract of Fusarium vanettenii showed strong antibacterial activity with MICs as low as 0.49 µg/ml.
- Molecular docking identified a compound with higher binding affinity to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein than chloroquine.
- GC/MS analysis revealed 45 compounds in the active extract, suggesting diverse bioactive potential.

## Abstract

Drug resistance in microorganisms is a growing global threat, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic agents. This study evaluates the antibacterial and anti-SARS-CoV potential of fungal endophytes isolated from A. marmelos. Among 16 endophytes screened, the ethyl acetate extract of the #3 AMLBF strain (Fusarium vanettenii) exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity against several pathogens. This extract showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.49 to 0.8 µg/ml. GC/MS analysis of the active extract identified 45 compounds. Furthermore, molecular docking against the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein revealed nine potential ligands, with Anthraergosta-5,7,9,22-tetren-3-ol p-chlorobenzoate showing the most potent binding affinity (− 10.2 kcal/mol), a value exceeding that of the standard chloroquine (− 6.5 kcal/mol). These results indicate that the organic extract from this fungal strain is a promising candidate for the discovery of new antimicrobial agents.

Potential of endophytic fungi

Potential of endophytic fungi