INHIBITORY EFFECT OF SECONDARY METABOLITES PRODUCED BY ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI ON E. COLI GROWTH

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of E. coli has dramatically increased the need to search for new antibacterial compounds. In particular, the number of Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, has increased in recent years. The biological and medical significance of these compounds in inhibiting the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria was analyzed based on scientific sources from the last five years (2020–2025). The results of the analysis show that polyketides, terpenoids, and other bioactive metabolites synthesized by endophytic fungi affect several vital processes of the bacterial cell at the same time. This multi-target mechanism of action allows partially bypassing the resistance mechanisms inherent in E. coli. Also, the ability of endophytic metabolites to increase membrane permeability, inhibit enzymatic activity, and increase oxidative stress is considered to be the main factors of antibacterial efficacy. The article argues that endophytic fungal metabolites are a promising component in combination antibacterial therapy, rather than as independent antibiotics.