Promising antimicrobials from Phoma spp.: progress and prospects

The increasing multidrug-resistance in pathogenic microbes and the emergence of new microbial pathogens like coronaviruses have necessitated the discovery of new antimicrobials to treat these pathogens. The use of antibiotics began after the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming from Penicillium chrysogenum. This has attracted the scientific community to delve deep into the antimicrobial capabilities of various fungi in general and Phoma spp. in particular. Phoma spp. such as Phoma arachidicola, P. sorghina, P. exigua var. exigua, P. herbarum, P. multirostrata, P. betae, P. fimeti, P. tropica, among others are known to produce different bioactive metabolites including polyketides, macrosporin, terpenes and terpenoids, thiodiketopiperazines, cytochalasin derivatives, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. These bioactive metabolites have already demonstrated their antimicrobial potential (antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral) against various pathogens. In the present review, we have discussed the antimicrobial potential of secondary metabolites produced by different Phoma species. We have also deliberated the biogenic synthesis of ecofriendly antimicrobial silver nanoparticles from Phoma and their role as potential antimicrobial agents.

Automated summary

The increasing multidrug-resistance in pathogenic microbes and the emergence of new microbial pathogens have led to the search for new antimicrobials. This review focuses on the antimicrobial potential of secondary metabolites produced by different Phoma species and the biogenic synthesis of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles from Phoma.