Linalool’s Multifaceted Antimicrobial Potential: Unveiling its Antimicrobial Efficacy and Immunomodulatory Role AgainstSaprolegnia parasitica

Abstract

Saprolegnia parasitica(S.parasitica) is one of the most virulent oomycete species in freshwater aquatic environments, causing severe saprolegniasis and leading to significant economic losses in the aquaculture industry. Thus far, the prevention and control of saprolegniasis face a shortage of medications. Linalool, a natural antibiotic alternative found in various essential oils, exhibits promising antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogens. In this study, the specific role of linalool in protectingS.parasiticainfection at bothin vitroandin vivolevels was investigated. Linalool showed multifaceted anti-oomycetes potential by both of antimicrobial efficacy and immunomodulatory efficacy. Forin vitrotest, linalool exhibited strong anti-oomycetes activity and mode of action included: (1) Linalool disrupted the cell membrane of the mycelium, causing the intracellular components leak out; (2) Linalool prohibited ribosome function, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis and ultimately affecting mycelium growth. Surprisingly, meanwhile we found the potential immune protective mechanism of linalool in thein vivotest: (1) Linalool enhanced the complement and coagulation system which in turn activated host immune defense and lysateS.parasiticacells; (2) Linalool promoted wound healing, tissue repair, and phagocytosis to cope withS.parasiticainfection; (3) Linalool positively modulated the immune response by increasing the abundance of beneficial Actinobacteriota; (4) Linalool stimulated the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to lyseS.parasiticacells. In all, our findings showed that linalool possessed multifaceted anti-oomycetes potential which would be a promising natural antibiotic alternative to cope withS.parasiticainfection in the aquaculture industry.