Metabolite profiling reveals comprehensive effects of Chaetomium globosum on citrus preservation

The huge economic loss of citrus fruit after harvest called for safe and efficient preservatives, as chemically synthesized agents threatened the environment and human health. Herein a biocontrol fungus Chaetomium globosum QY-1 near the orchard in riparian area was identified to have antimicrobial, antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition activity, which meets the requirements of an ideal preservative. Metabolite profiling based on bioassay-guided fractionation was carried out, and eight polyketones were determined by MS and NMR. The most abundant CheA exhibited strong inhibition to Penicillium digitatum, the main pathogen caused citrus fruit rot. Among these metabolites, Epicoccone and Epicoccolide B showed higher antioxidant activity, while Epicoccone and CheA had higher tyrosinase inhibitory activity. All the activities were close to or even better than the positive control (Vc; glutathione; Vc and arbutin; Bellkute), implying that the metabolites of C. globosum had comprehensive effects as natural preservatives.

Automated summary

The biocontrol fungus Chaetomium globosum QY-1 near the orchard was found to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibition activity, with metabolites showing strong inhibition to Penicillium digitatum and high antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. This suggests that the metabolites of C. globosum have the potential to be used as natural preservatives with comprehensive effects.