Project summary:

 One of the most serious global threats of this century is the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. In agriculture, phytopathogenic microorganisms such as Fusarium, Botris or Zymoseptoria represent a major threat to both agricultural production and ecosystem stability. In the medical field, Candida species are responsible for over 64% of fungal infections, with a mortality rate of 40%. Therefore, finding new classes of effective antifungal drugs is a matter of maximum priority. In this context, the project proposes the development of a new class of antifungal products, represented by tricyclic flavonoids with different halogens as substituents to the benzopyran core. Preliminary results have shown that these flavonoids have important bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. Additional studies, using the French partner's antifungal molecules experience, are needed to expand the antimicrobial spectrum of synthetic flavonoids. Also, collaboration will allow us to understand the mechanisms of action and to acquire knowledge on cytotoxicity. At the end of the project we will be able to propose a new efficient antifungal product. Thus, the outcome of the project will reinforce the scientific collaboration between BioActive research group (Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi) and Charles Violette Institute (Lille University, France).

Project members: 

Romania	Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași
Marius Ștefan, PhD	Project coordinator, Microbiology
Lucian Mihail Bîrsa, PhD	Organic Chemistry
Marius Mihășan, PhD	Molecular Biology
Laura Sârbu, PhD	Organic Chemistry
PhDs
Mihaela Savu	Microbiology
France	Lille University
François Krier, PhD	Project coordinator, Microbiology
Rozenn Ravallec, PhD	Cellular biology
Benoit Cudennec, PhD	Cellular biology
PhDs
Lea Fleury	Cellular biology
Remy Platel	Phytopathology