Zopfiellasins A–D, Two Pairs of Epimeric Cytochalasins from Kiwi-Associated Fungus Zopfiella sp. and Their Antibacterial Assessment

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

However, I would propose more discussion and compare MICs of compounds isolated from other kiwi-assossiated fungi.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The manuscript describes the search for bioactive substances against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), the origin of the kiwi canker, in kiwi-associated fungi. Authors describe four substances isolated from Zopfiella sp (cytochalasins, namely zopfiellasins A‒D), fungus that exhibited good inhibitory activity on Psa. Antimicrobial activity against Psa from two of these substances showed MIC values of 25 and 50 μg/mL.
To identify these substances, authors used HRESIMS, NMR (including bidimensional) and single crystal X-ray diffraction.

It is worth of mention that 11 from the 12 references are located at the introduction, no references was presented at experimental section and the substances comparison were performed with only one paper (reference 12, out of format). As authors chose to publish this manuscript as an article, not a short communication, a more deep discussion should be presented with more references (updated).

It should be deeper discussed on structural elucidation, including more updated references at this section and also at experimental section.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

I revised de manuscipt entitled: “Zopfiellasins A‒D, Two Pairs of Epimeric Cytochalasins from Kiwi-Associated Fungus Zopfiella sp and Their Antibacterial Assessment.

The study is interesting, however it is poorly discussed so it should be reviewed.

It will be subjected to MAJOR REVISION.

Abstract: OK

Introduction: You should mention previous reports or related studies.

Materials and method ok

Results and discussion

Lines 45-77

The results are little discussed, they are not compared with any other compound from previous experiments (i.e. 3-Decalinoyltetramic acids). There are previous work on this, try to discuss based on these previous findings and specify in this part.

Lines 81-86

There is no discussion in this part, are there previous studies of antimicrobial activity Vs Psa which they can be compared? You Should Discuss.

Are there other compounds isolated from the Fungus or any natural compound that have been used against Psa or some other bacteria of agricultural importance? You should Discuss.

It is important to discuss the possible way of acting of the compounds on Pseudomonas, based on previous studies of antimicrobial activity. You Should Discuss.

Line 144

Table 1

Although the table is mentioned and described a bit in results, it is not clear what each column is. Specify in the table, the compounds and that it is about carbons in the numbers: 1-19

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

This paper describes the structural elucidation of four compounds from a species of Zopfiella. The manuscript is very carefully prepared and the data comprehensive and accurate. The NMR interpretations appears to be correct but I am not an expert in this field. The English is of a high standard and I have detected only a few minor errors.

Line 103 genus (not genera)

Line 104 Start sentence with "Further ..." (delete A) (grammatically incorrect)

Line 106 The correct name of the university - ...Forestry...

 Line 166 "on" is not the right word (against is better)

168 & 169 ... a kiwi-associated fungus of the genus Zopfiella.

184 Name of university - ...Forestry...

line 211 Scientific name should be in italics

General: rather use an n-dash (‒) and not a hyphen (-) when "to" is indicated (e.g., line 165) 

 

 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Suggested changes were made, thank you.