Docking and Dynamics of Nannochloropsis oculata Compounds Targeting Colletotrichum musae

Abstract

Banana (Musa spp.) is a widely cultivated fruit crop prone to significant postharvest losses due to anthracnose, primarily caused by Colletotrichum musae. In pursuit of sustainable disease control strategies, this study evaluated the antifungal potential of extracts and biogenically synthesized nanoparticles derived from five microalgal species: Nannochloropsis oculata, Isochrysis galbana, Thalassiosira pseudonana, Dunaliella salina, and Haematococcus pluvialis. Solvent extracts were tested in vitro using the poison food technique, with the acetone extract of N. oculata exhibiting the highest inhibition (66.12%). Zinc and copper nanoparticles synthesized from N. oculata showed enhanced antifungal activity, with zinc nanoparticles producing an inhibition zone of up to 17.54 mm. GC-MS analysis revealed several bioactive compounds including neophytadiene, phytol, and isotridecanol, suggesting their role in antifungal efficacy.Results of molecular docking with these phytochemical compound shoes stronger binding affinity towards the negative regulation of apoptotic protein. Nannochloropsis ocuulata shows highest binding affinity ranges. The results indicate that microalgae-based bioformulations and green-synthesized nanoparticles hold promise as eco-friendly alternatives for managing banana anthracnose.