Production and Applications of Secondary Metabolites Extracted from Trichoderma viride
Vaishnavi R
Department of Biotechnology, Jain Deemed to be University, Bangalore, India.
Jeyalakshmi Thanuja K
Department of Biotechnology, Jain Deemed to be University, Bangalore, India.
R. Ragunathan
Centre for Bioscience and Nanoscience Research, Eachanari, Coimbatore-641021, Tamil Nadu, India.
Jesteena Johney *
Department of Food and Nutrition, Centre for Bioscience and Nanoscience Research, Eachanari, Coimbatore-641021, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To investigate the production, extraction, and characterization of bioactive metabolites from Trichoderma viride, to evaluate their antimicrobial and anticancer potential. This study aims to validate the applicability of Trichoderma viride metabolites as therapeutic and agricultural agents.
Study Design: Experimental in -vitro study involving extraction, biochemical analysis, and therapeutic applications.
Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at Centre for Bioscience and Nanoscience Research during the period from May to July 2025.
Methodology: Trichoderma viride, a filamentous fungus, was cultured using MGYP media for metabolite production. Metabolites were extracted using solvent extraction methods and subjected to Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), Column Chromatography, and UV-Visible Spectroscopy. TLC revealed distinct Rf values indicating the presence of bioactive compounds. Fraction 4, isolated via column chromatography, showed a distinct absorbance peak under UV-visible analysis, suggesting chromophoric group presence. Antibacterial activity was assessed using agar well diffusion against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Anticancer potential was analyzed using the MTT assay on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines.
Results: TLC confirmed multiple bioactive metabolites. Among the separated fractions, Fraction 4 showed the highest activity. UV-visible spectroscopy indicated potent chromophoric constituents. Antibacterial testing revealed clear inhibition zones against both Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The MTT assay revealed dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with decreasing MCF-7 cell viability at increasing concentrations of the extract. The results demonstrate that Trichoderma viride metabolites possess both antimicrobial and anticancer properties.
Conclusion: Trichoderma viride serves as a promising source of natural compounds with potential biomedical and agricultural applications. Its metabolites exhibit significant antibacterial and anticancer activity and may support sustainable therapeutic and bio control innovations.
Keywords: UV-Visible spectroscopy, antibacterial activity, anticancer activity, thin layer chromatography, column chromatography