Toxicity and action mechanisms of silver nanoparticles against the mycotoxin-producing fungus Fusarium graminearum

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.09.006
• Publication Date: 2021-09-17T06:04:41Z
• Authors: Yunqing Jian; Xia Chen; Temoor Ahmed; Qinghua Shang; Shuai Zhang; Zhonghua Ma; Yanni Yin
• Keywords: Silver nanoparticle

Fusarium graminearum is a most destructive fungal pathogen that causes head blight (FHB) disease in cereal crops, resulting severe yield loss and mycotoxin contamination food feed. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are extensively applied multiple fields due to their strong antimicrobial activity considered alternatives fungicides. However, the antifungal mechanisms effects of AgNPs on production have not been well characterized. This study aimed investigate against both fungicide-resistant fungicide-sensitive F. strains, determine deoxynivalenol (DON) production, evaluate potential for FHB management field. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission (TEM), fluorescence were used examine morphological changes caused by AgNPs. In addition, RNA-Seq, qRT-PCR, western blotting conducted detect gene transcription DON levels. with diameter 2 nm exhibited effective strains graminearum. Further studies showed AgNP application could impair development, cell structure, cellular energy utilization, metabolism pathways this fungus. RNA-Seq analysis sensitivity determination revealed treatment significantly induced expression azole-related ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters without compromising control efficacy azoles stimulated generation reactive oxygen species (ROS), subsequently biosynthesis genes, toxisome formation, production. underlying graminearum, determined evaluated controlling strains. Together, our findings suggest combinations DON-reducing fungicides be future.