A novel bacterial lactonase enzyme developed through directed evolution demonstrates superior thermal stability and effectively inhibits bacterial and fungal pathogens. This enzyme hydrolyzes quorum-sensing molecules and lactone-based fungal mycotoxins, presenting a powerful solution for both preharvest crop protection and postharvest preservation.

UNMET NEED
Preharvest bacterial infections are a major challenge in agriculture, leading to reduced crop yield, poor fruit quality, and increased susceptibility to postharvest decay. Additionally, postharvest infections, particularly caused by Penicillium expansum, result in significant losses and raise food safety concerns due to patulin mycotoxin contamination.
Current chemical treatments face increasing resistance, environmental concerns, and consumer demand for safer, sustainable alternatives.

OUR SOLUTION
A stabilized bacterial lactonase enzyme that degrades quorum-sensing molecules and fungal mycotoxins. This quorum quenching enzyme disrupts microrganisms’ communication systems, reducing pathogenicity and mycotoxin production.

Key Achievements Include:
• Enhanced Enzyme Stability: Directed enzyme evolution improved the bacterial lactonase’s thermal stability (T50) by 8°C, ensuring durability in field conditions.
• Preharvest Protection: In field trials conducted at the Hula Valley experimental farm, the enzyme spray effectively protected P. communis ‘Spadona’ pear trees:
• Enzyme sprayed before the time of infection reduced bacterial infection by 40% up to 70%.
• Each trial included 5 repeats with 10 blossoms per repeat (5 blossoms on each side of the tree), demonstrating robust and consistent protection.
• Postharvest Preservation: The enzyme degraded patulin mycotoxin, inhibited fungal hypha formation, and colonization in apples by up to 65%, and reduced gene expression for mycotoxin biosynthesis in Penicillium expansum.

Unique Advantages:
• Enhanced Stability: Engineered bacterial lactonase with improved thermal stability ensures efficacy in diverse environmental conditions.
• Dual Protection: Provides effective preharvest defense against bacterial infections and postharvest inhibition of fungal pathogens.
• Environmentally Friendly: Reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting sustainable agriculture.
• Proven Efficacy: Demonstrated success in both controlled field trials and postharvest experiments.
• Versatile Application: Can be applied as a spray in orchards or incorporated into postharvest treatments into washing solutions

APPLICATIONS
• Preharvest Agriculture: Applied to protect crops like pears from bacterial and fungal pathogens before harvest.
• Postharvest Preservation: Extends fruit shelf life by inhibiting fungal contamination and mycotoxin production.
• Food Industry: Prevents contamination in fruit-based products to meet regulatory safety standards.
• Eco-Friendly Pesticide Development: Provides a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pesticides.