Novel Zinc/Silver Ions-Loaded Alginate/Chitosan Microparticles Antifungal Activity against .

Addressing the growing need for environmentally friendly fungicides in agriculture, this study explored the potential of biopolymer microparticles loaded with metal ions as a novel approach to combat fungal pathogens. Novel alginate microspheres and chitosan/alginate microcapsules loaded with zinc or with zinc and silver ions were prepared and characterized (microparticle size, morphology, topography, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and swelling behavior). Investigation of molecular interactions in microparticles using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy exhibited complex interactions between all constituents.

antifungal effect of phenylboronic and boric acid on .

The ascomycete fungus causes early blight, one of economically the most important tomato diseases. Due to frequent use of fungicides, has developed resistance with negative economic and environmental consequences. Research of new ways to control fungal pathogens has turned its eye to environmentally friendly chemicals with low toxicity such as boronic acids.

Control of Early Blight Fungus () in Tomato by Boric and Phenylboronic Acid.

Finding a suitable alternative to the small pool of existing antifungal agents is a vital task in contemporary agriculture. Therefore, intensive research has been conducted globally to uncover environmentally friendly and efficient agents that can suppress pathogens resistant to the currently used antimycotics. Here, we tested the activity of boric acid (BA) and its derivative phenylboronic acid (PBA) in controlling the early blight symptoms in tomato plants infected with pathogenic fungus .

Phenylboronic acid as a novel agent for controlling plant pathogenic bacteria.

Background: Phenylboronic acid (PBA) is an environmentally non-toxic substance with antimicrobial activity. Due to increasing ecological limitations in phytopharmacy and considering the development of resistance of phytopathogenic bacteria to available antibacterial agents, here we explore a possible role of PBA as an antibacterial agent of choice.

Results: We determined a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PBA in vitro on the Pseudomonas syringae pv.