Orfamide B (CAS 939960-35-7)

Orfamide B is a cyclic lipopeptide closely related to orfamide A, produced by Pseudomonas protegens, a bacterium known for its role in agricultural biocontrol and plant health enhancement. Like its counterpart, orfamide B is comprised of a cyclic peptide linked to a hydrophobic fatty acid chain, which facilitates its insertion and disruption of fungal cell membranes. This amphiphilic nature allows orfamide B to effectively permeate and compromise the integrity of fungal membranes, thereby inhibiting the growth of plant pathogens and supporting plant defense mechanisms. The chemical′s action is primarily fungicidal, targeting the membrane structure and leading to cellular contents leakage and cell death in fungal pathogens. In research, orfamide B has been utilized to explore ecological interactions between beneficial bacteria and plant pathogens, helping explain the mechanisms by which microbial products can suppress disease and promote plant health. Studies on orfamide B include investigations into its biosynthetic pathways, regulatory networks influencing its production, and its potential synergistic effects with other bioactive compounds produced by Pseudomonas spp. This research enhances our understanding of natural biocontrol agents and supports the development of integrated pest management strategies that leverage microbial metabolites to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides in agriculture.