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Secondary metabolites of Minutisphaera thailandensis and Hongkongmyces kokensis revealed by LC–QTOF–MS and their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The mycelial extracts of two novel fungal species, Minutisphaera thailandensis and Hongkongmyces kokensis , were investigated for their antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and secondary metabolite profiles to assess their potential as sources of bioactive natural products. LC–QTOF–MS profiling revealed that the mycelial extracts contained a greater diversity of metabolites compared to the culture supernatants. M. thailandensis demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 62.25 µg/mL; inhibition zone = 20.12 ± 0.21 mm), Staphylococcus epidermidis (125.00 µg/mL; 19.32 ± 0.15 mm), and Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus (125.00 µg/mL; 19.08 ± 0.12 mm). H. kokensis was active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.45 ± 0.28 mm) and Escherichia coli (16.87 ± 0.36 mm). Both fungi also exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans (zones = 13.38–17.29 mm). Fifteen metabolites were identified in the mycelial extract of M. thailandensis while 16 compounds were found in those obtained from H. kokensis . These included alkaloids (norharman, indole-3-carboxylic acid), fatty acid amides (oleamide, stearamide), sphingolipids (phytosphingosine, 3-ketosphinganine), polyketides (chaetochromin), and unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid), among others. Both fungi shared 4-hydroxycoumarin, carapin-8(9)-ene, and phytosphingosine, while chaetochromin and 13-epi-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid were unique to H. kokensis . Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities may be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds including phytosphingosine, 4-hydroxycoumarin, chaetochromin, linoleic acid, and oleamide, all of which possess reported pharmacological effects. M. thailandensis exhibited stronger cytotoxicity against SW480 (IC 50 = 25.11 µg/mL) and A549 (IC 50 = 32.68 µg/mL) cell lines than H. kokensis (IC 50 = 58.88–63.41 µg/mL), underscoring its therapeutic potential.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-25050-z

Authors: Sarunpron Khruengsai, Teerapong Sripahco, Prasat Kittakoop, Patcharee Pripdeevech

Institutions: National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, Mae Fah Luang University, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Chulabhorn Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690