Action Mechanism of Marine Endophytic Fungi Aspergillus terreus as Antibacterial Agent Against Vibrio harveyi

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems are among the most diverse marine environments, housing a variety of vegetation, such as shrubs, plants, trees, palms, and other adaptable species that thrive in both freshwater and saline conditions. These mangrove habitats serve as a rich source of secondary metabolites, contributing to various pharmacological activities and playing a crucial ecological role. Endophytic fungi constitute a substantial and measurable portion of fungal biodiversity, known to influence plant community structure and diversity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cytotoxic and antibacterial qualities of endophytic fungi that were isolated from Sonneratia alba mangrove leaves that were gathered in Buton, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The fungi were isolated using surface sterilization techniques and identified based on their morphological characteristics and ITS regions of rDNA. Isolate WB 1-2, obtained from the leaves, was identified as Aspergillus terreus. The marine endophytic isolate, Aspergillus terreus, exhibited antibacterial activity against Vibrio harveyi. Scanning Electron Microscope observations conducted after 24 hours revealed inhibited cell growth in Vibrio harveyi test cells, indicating damage to the cells caused by the hyphae of marine endophytic fungi.