Antifungal molecular details of MNQ-derived novel carbon dots against Penicillium digitatum

It is urgent to develop high-efficiency and low-toxicity natural antifungal agents on green mold caused by Penicillium digitatum. The effect of 2-methoxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone (MNQ) inhibition of P. digitatum was not very satisfactory. MNQ-derived carbon dots (MNQ-CDs) synthesized through a solvothermal route were used as antifungal agents against P. digitatum. The antifungal activity of prepared MNQ-CDswas enhanced compared to MNQ, and the minimum inhibitory concentration was 2.8 mu g/mL. A total of 441 genes and 122 metabolites have undergone significant changes. The omics data revealed that MNQ-CDs primarily modified the metabolism of aromatic amino acids and synthesis of the cell membrane in P. digitatum, thereby inhibiting its propagation. Furthermore, compared with MNQ, MNQ-CDs had a better control effect on the green mold of citrus fruits, and could more significantly inhibit the propagation of P. digitatum. This study provides a new idea for the design of new and efficient antifungal materials.

Automated summary

Developing high-efficiency and low-toxicity natural antifungal agents for green mold caused by Penicillium digitatum is urgent. MNQ-derived carbon dots (MNQ-CDs) were synthesized and used as antifungal agents against P. digitatum. MNQ-CDs showed enhanced antifungal activity compared to MNQ, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 2.8 μg/mL. Omics data revealed that MNQ-CDs primarily modified the metabolism of aromatic amino acids and the synthesis of the cell membrane in P. digitatum, thereby inhibiting its propagation.