Abstract
Endophytic fungi are able to synthesize secondary metabolites that act as antimicrobial compounds to protect the host plant from pathogenic microbes. In the present study, endophytic fungi isolated from leaves of Acanthus ilicifolius was characterized and their antibacterial activity was assessed. Characterization of endophytic fungi isolates was carried out based on morphological characteristics of macroscopic (colony) and microscopic. Antibacterial activity test was conducted by well diffusion method using 2 bacterial indicators, namely Escherichia coli (Gram negative bacteria) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive bacteria). Six endophytic fungi were isolated from A. ilicifoliusleaves and 5 isolates among them had antibacterial activity, namely isolates DT1, DT3, DT4, DT6 and DST1 with broad-spectrum activity. Five endophytic fungi identified belonged to 3 genera; DT1 and DT4 are identical to the Genus Geotricum, DST1and DT6 are identical to the Genus Humicola and DT3 is identical to the Genus Aspergillus. This study demonstrates an interesting bottom-up approach to the discovery of new antibacterial compounds.
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