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Enzymes

Enzymatic Suppression of Postharvest Fungi in Tomato Fruits

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by Jouf University has revealed the potential of enzymes chitinase and b-1,3-glucanase in combating postharvest fungal pathogens in tomato fruits. The study found that varying doses of these enzymes, along with a chemical fungicide, exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of fungal growth. The research also employed molecular simulations to analyze the binding affinities of chitinase and b-1,3-glucanase with target proteins of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified four fungal pathogens infecting spoiled tomato fruits, including Penicillium expansum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus terreus, and Fusarium oxysporum.
  • Chitinase and b-1,3-glucanase exhibited significant inhibition of fungal growth, with the chemical fungicide causing complete inhibition at the highest dose.
  • Molecular simulations revealed compelling binding affinities of chitinase and b-1,3-glucanase with target proteins of F. oxysporum, with chitinase demonstrating a docking score of -82.67 kcal/mol and b-1,3-glucanase showing a score of -78.1 kcal/mol.
  • The research highlighted the potential of these enzymes as agents to combat postharvest fungal pathogens.
  • The study employed a combination of in-vitro and in-silico approaches to investigate the efficacy of chitinase and b-1,3-glucanase against postharvest fungi in tomato fruits.
  • The research was conducted by a team of scientists led by Samy Selim from Jouf University, with additional authors including Aisha M. H. Al-Rajhi, Sulaiman Alsalamah, Rabab A. Hegazy, Wed Mohammed Hamoud, and Mohamed A. Al Abboud.

Statistics:

  • Four fungal pathogens were identified as infecting spoiled tomato fruits: Penicillium expansum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus terreus, and Fusarium oxysporum.
  • Chitinase demonstrated a docking score of -82.67 kcal/mol and b-1,3-glucanase showed a score of -78.1 kcal/mol in molecular simulations.
  • The study found that the chemical fungicide caused complete inhibition of fungal growth at the highest dose.
  • The research analyzed the binding mechanisms of chitinase and b-1,3-glucanase with target proteins of F. oxysporum, revealing distinct binding mechanisms for each enzyme.

Sources:

  • BioResources, 2025, 20(4): 10069-10081. (BioResources - https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/)
  • NewsRx. New Data from Jouf University Illuminate Research in Enzymes and Coenzymes (Enzymatic Suppression of Postharvest Fungi in Tomato Fruits: In-vitro and In-silico Evidence of Chitinase and b-1,3-Glucanase Efficacy). Life Science Weekly. November 4, 2025; p 2553.

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