Antimicrobial Activity of Diffusible and Volatile Metabolites Emitted by : Chemical Profile of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Using SPME-GC/MS Analysis.

The genus includes important entomopathogenic and endophytic fungi; among them, is the most studied species. However, there is little knowledge regarding their antimicrobial activity. The current research has been conducted to evaluate the in vitro antagonistic activity of and the antimicrobial efficacy of its and metabolites against (Gram positive bacteria, G+ve), and (Gram negative bacteria, G-ve). In addition, solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) to qualitatively measure the volatile organic compounds' (VOCs) metabolic profile of the most efficient studied isolate of . The obtained results showed that the isolate UniB2439-3 has a promising antibacterial effect against most of the studied target bacteria. An SPME-GC/MS analysis of VOCs revealed the presence of ethanol, butanal,2-methyl, 2,4-dimethyl-1-heptene, octane, 4-methyl and β-elemene as the dominant bioactive compounds. The results demonstrated that the efficient isolate of can be potentially used as a biocontrol agent against several bacteria, especially G+ve ones.