2,4-Di-tert-butyl phenol as the antifungal, antioxidant bioactive purified from a newly isolated Lactococcus sp.

• Purified the volatile phenolic compound 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol (2,4 DTBP)
• 2,4 DTBP exhibited antifungal and antioxidant properties.
• Compared to normal, cancer cell lines are more sensitive towards 2,4 DTBP.
• Wheat grains treated with 2,4 DTBP resisted the fungal attack.

The volatile organic compound 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol (2,4 DTBP) was purified from the cell free supernatant of a newly isolated Lactococcus sp. by solvent extraction and chromatographic techniques. Molecular characterization of the compound by ESI-MS, 1H NMR and FTIR analysis revealed the structure, C14H22O. Fungicidal activity was demonstrated against Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium chrysogenum by disc diffusion assay. Among the cell lines tested for cytotoxicity of this compound (normal cell line H9c2 and cancer cell lines HeLa and MCF-7), a remarkable cytotoxicity against HeLa cells with an IC50 value of 10 μg/mL was shown. A biocontrol experiment with 2,4 DTBP supplemented fraction prevented growth of the abovementioned fungi on wheat grains. The study further strengthens the case for development of biopreservatives and dietary antioxidants from lactic acid bacteria for food applications.