Graphene Oxide Exhibits Antifungal Activity against Bipolaris sorokiniana In Vitro and In Vivo

The antimicrobial properties of graphene in vitro have been widely reported. However, compared to research performed on graphene's antibacterial properties, there have been relatively few studies assessing graphene's antifungal properties. In particular, evaluating graphene's pathogenic effects on host plants in vivo, which is critical to using graphene in disease control, has rarely been performed. In this study, the fungal pathogen of wheat, barley, and other plants, Bipolaris sorokiniana (B. sorokiniana) and graphene oxide (GO) were selected for materials. A combination of physiological, cytological, and biochemical approaches was used to explore how GO affects the growth and pathogenicity of B. sorokiniana. The mycelial growth and spore germination of B. sorokiniana were both inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by GO treatment. The addition of GO significantly alleviated the infection of pathogenic fungi in host plants. The results of scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of GO on B. sorokiniana was primarily related to the destruction of the cell membrane. Our study confirmed the antifungal effect of graphene in vitro and in vivo, providing an experimental basis for applying graphene in disease resistance, which is of great significance for agricultural and forestry production.