Extract of Microbial Isolates From the Western Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and their Applications in the Field of Health

Objectives: In a previous study, the presence of Aspergillus species in high-salt soil was investigated. However, it was hypothesized that the addition of a protein source to the soil could reveal other fungal species. This study aimed to test this hypothesis by repeating the methodology used in the previous study, but with the inclusion of a protein source. Methods: The ribosomal DNA (ITS) region was sequenced to identify the fungal isolate. The results showed that the isolate belonged to a different genus within the Aspergillus species, specifically Aspergillus sydowii. The strain was named WIS and recorded in the gene bank with the accession number OR262340.1. The antibacterial activity of the isolated fungus was evaluated by measuring the inhibition zone diameter after exposing pathogenic bacteria to the fungus. Additionally, the anti-cancer activity of the isolate was tested on six different cell lines, including breast cancer, hepatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. To further support the evidence of the bioactivity of this fungus, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) was conducted on the fungal extract to identify its secondary medicinal metabolites. Additionally, an in-silico study was performed to predict the toxicity, pharmacokinetic properties, and safety profiles of each molecule. Results: Aspergillus sydowii exhibited antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It also demonstrated excellent anti-cancer activity on all tested cell lines. Conclusion: Future studies should focus on investigating the antimicrobial activities of this fungus against a wider range of pathogenic bacteria, particularly multidrug-resistant strains. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to study the genetic changes in bacteria and cancer cells treated with these fungal extracts at the genetic level.