Aspergillus niger (A. niger)

Aspergillus niger is a ubiquitous filamentous fungus that acts as an opportunistic human pathogen, most commonly associated with otomycosis and occasionally invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals [1]. While it is a vital organism in industrial biotechnology for the production of citric acid and various enzymes, its clinical significance lies in its ability to cause infections that require targeted antifungal therapy [2]. Because Aspergillus niger is a complex multicellular organism rather than a single protein or receptor, it is classified as a pathogen rather than a molecular drug target [3]. Therapeutic intervention focuses on disrupting essential fungal structures, such as the cell membrane (via ergosterol) or the cell wall (via beta-glucan), using drugs like voriconazole or amphotericin B [4]. Monitoring of the infection is often performed using biomarkers such as galactomannan, and the management of the organism is complicated by the potential for drug resistance and the toxicity profiles of available antifungal agents [5].

Other names

Black mold

Antifungal agents targeting Aspergillus niger typically act by disrupting the fungal cell membrane through ergosterol binding or synthesis inhibition, or by inhibiting the synthesis of cell wall components like 1,3-beta-D-glucan.