Elucidating the mechanisms of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tuberosi inhibition using functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes: A comprehensive analysis of biophysical and molecular interactions1

The study explores the antifungal properties of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tuberosi, revealing a concentration-dependent impact, with the lowest concentration suppressing mycelial development. The peaks at 2θ° = 7.92° and 25.85° reveal the presence of MWCNTs. Furthermore, the bonding extremes at 3194 and 2441 cm-1 and the peak at 3573 cm-1 are hydrogen-bonded. The peak at 3756 cm-1 demonstrates the vibration of OH stretching to confirm the functionalization of MWCNTs. MWCNTs at 308 nm show a peak with much higher UV energy. This is because of the different plasmonic vibrations that the free electrons of multi-wall carbon nanotubes exhibit at about 308nm. SEM analysis revealed mycelial structure distortions, revealing inhibitory mechanisms of f-MWCNTs and their interaction with F. oxysporum f. sp. tuberosi, providing insights into their complex behavior. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) showed anti-oxidative properties, indicating potential multifaceted modes of action, as evidenced by 2', 7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate dye testing. The current study analyzed bioactive molecules in F. oxysporum f. sp. tuberosi extracts by GC-MS analysis, showing six metabolites having antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and antioxidant properties. However, exposure to f-MWCNTs reduced these potent molecule concentrations, highlighting the significant impact of f-MWCNTs on F. oxysporum f. sp. tuberosi biochemical arsenal. This is the first report that checked the antifungal, and antioxidant activity and of a lesser concentration of metabolites produced after the action of f-MWCNTs in F. oxysporum f. sp. tuberosi. This research highlights the potential of f-MWCNTs as antifungal agents, paving the way for innovative strategies in combating fungal pathogens and developing effective treatments.