Phenolic compounds in peanut seeds: Enhanced elicitation by chitosan and effects on growth and aflatoxin b1 production by aspergillus flavus

Effects of chitosan and Aspergillus flavus to enhance elicitation of phenolic compounds in viable peanut seeds were conducted at two water activity levels. In vitro effects of phenolic acids on A. flavus growth and aflatoxin B₁ production were also studied. Chitosan enhanced elicitation of free phenolic compounds (FPC) at Aw .85 and .95 levels. A. flavus treatment initially decreased and subsequently increased FPC content, but bound phenolic compounds (BPC) decreased during incubation. Chitosan + A. flavus treatments caused an increase in FPC that reached a plateau between 24–48 h at Aw .85 while BPC levels increased over the same time period at both Aw levels. The major free and bound phenolic acids detected were p‐coumaric and ferulic acids and an unknown phenol that eluted at a retention time of 22 min. Generally, chitosan treatment significantly enhanced elicitation of free ferulic and p‐coumaric acids and bound p‐coumaric acid at Aw .95. Free unknown phenolic and bound ferulic acids at Aw .85 were enhanced by chitosan. A. flavus treatment caused significant induction of bound p‐coumaric and ferulic acids and free unknown phenol at Aw .85. Chitosan + A. flavus treatment measure to reduce or eliminate pre‐harvest contamination by A. flavus and aflatoxins contributes to sustainable agriculture, especially to developing countries.

The enhanced elicitation of preformed phenolic compounds by chitosan may provide seed tissues an additive or synergistic effect in controlling aflatoxin‐producing fungi and preventing aflatoxin contamination. Further, such investigation will help elucidate the biochemical basis of elicitor‐host interaction that contribute to defensive responses of host tissues. Identification of biochemical factors in induced resistance involves a refinement in the separation and identification of induced phenolic compounds. Methodologies such as spectrophotometric assay or reverse‐phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) may be used to evaluate phenolic compound induction by these elicitors. In addition, these compounds can be tested on their effects on A. flavus mycelial growth and subsequent aflatoxin production in vitro.

Hence, a study on the possible role of phenols on the natural resistance of peanuts to A. flavus invasion was conducted with the following objectives: 1) to quantitate changes in free and bound phenolic compounds influenced by chitosan, A. flavus, and water activity (Aw) levels by Folin‐Ciocalteu assay; 2) to separate, identify, and quantitate free and bound phenolic acids influenced by elicitors and Aw levels; and 3) to determine the effects of phenolic acids in liquid cultures at different concentrations on mycelial growth and aflatoxin B₁ production by A. flavus.     

Glufosinate-ammonium reduces growth and aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus

The herbicide glufosinate-ammonium (GA) [butanoic acid, 2-amino-4-(hydroxymethylphosphinyl)-ammonium salt] was tested at concentrations from 2 to 2,000 g GA per ml for activity against growth and aflatoxin B1 (AFB) production by the mycotoxigenic fungus Aspergillus flavus Link:Fr. The highest concentration (2,000 microg GA per ml) reduced colony diameter of A. flavus strain AF13 by 80%. AFB1 production was inhibited by 90% at this concentration. Reduction in mycelial dry weight and AFB1 production in response to GA application ranged from 17.2 to 97.1% and from 39.1 to 90.1%, respectively. Of four concentrations tested, 2 microg GA per ml was weakly inhibitory. In the kernel screening assay, AFB1 production was inhibited 60 to 91% when kernels were preimmersed or immersed 5 days after incubation in 200 microg GA per ml. Both concentrations (2 and 200 microg GA per ml) reduced seed germination by 25 to 50%. Results indicate that GA has an inhibitory effect on growth and AFB1 production by A. flavus.     

Effect of gamma-irradiation on aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus and chemical composition of three crop seeds

The effect of gamma-irradiation on aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus, and the chemical composition of some different crop seeds were investigated. A. flavus infected seeds behaved differently according to their principal constituents. A. flavus caused an increase in protein and decrease in lipids and carbohydrate contents of wheat, soyabean and fababean seeds. Growth of A. flavus and production of aflatoxin B1 was inhibited at a dose level of 5 kGy. A. flavus utilizes carbohydrates of seeds for its growth and aflatoxin production. Crops were arranged, in descending order, according to aflatoxin produced in seeds as wheat > soyabean > fababean. There were no changes in chemical constituents of irradiated seeds, such as protein, lipids, and carbohydrates.     

Potential use of phenolic antioxidants on peanut to control growth and aflatoxin B1 accumulation by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus

Food‐grade antioxidants: butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl paraben (PP) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (10 and 20 mmol g^?1) and all the mixtures of these chemicals were tested for inhibitory activity on the growth of and aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) accumulation by Aspergillus parasiticus and A. flavus on irradiated (7 kGy) peanut grains. Also, the influence of these treatments was evaluated in different water conditions (0.982, 0.955, 0.937a_w) at 11 and 35 days of incubation at 28 °C. Water activity (a_w) affected the fungal growth, no fungal development was observed at the highest stress water condition (0.937a_w). Butylated hydroxyanisole at 10 mmol g^?1 level and all the mixtures with PP and/or BHT were significantly effective (P = 0.05) in increasing lag phase and reducing growth rate and colony forming units per gram of peanut of both Aspergillus section Flavi strains and AFB₁ accumulation. The application of BHA at concentrations of 20 mmol g^?1 alone or with PP and/or BHT totally inhibited fungal growth at 11 and 35 days of incubation. The results suggest that the addition of these chemical mixtures on peanut grains at low levels has potential to impact synergically on the control of Aspergillus section Flavi. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of Listeria monocytogenes and environmental abiotic factors on growth parameters and aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus

Aspergillus flavus growth is influenced by a variety of abiotic factors including water activity (a_W), pH, redox potential, relative humidity, temperature and availability of oxygen. Furthermore, biotic factors such as the presence in the same habitat of different microorganisms can develop ecological interactions between them that are positive, negative or indifferent for fungal growth. The aim of the present work was evaluate the effect of Listeria monocytogenes in interaction with a_W, pH and temperature on the lag phase, growth rate and AFB₁ production of A. flavus. Ecophysiological in vitro studies of A. flavus demonstrate that the co-occurrence with L. monocytogenes in culture medium and abiotic factors (a_W, pH and temperature) influence the growth of the fungal strains and the production of AFB₁. The presence of L. monocytogenes generally decreased fungal growth and increased significantly aflatoxin production. These studies are essential in the prediction of contamination risk of food with these microorganisms or their toxins in interaction with several environmental parameters.     

Potential of aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus strains on commercially important food grains

In this study, we investigated the potential of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB1) production by five Aspergillus flavus strains previously isolated from sorghum grains on cereals (barley, maize, rice, wheat and sorghum), oilseeds (peanuts and sesame) and pulses (greengram and horsegram). Five strains of A. flavus were inoculated on all food grains and incubated at 25 °C for 7 days; AFB1 was extracted and estimated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. All A. flavus strains produced AFB1 on all food grains ranging from 245.4 to 15 645.2 μg kg^?1. Of the five strains tested, strain Af 003 produced the highest amount of AFB1 on all commodities ranging from 2245.2 to 15 645.2 μg kg^?1. Comparatively, the AFB1 accumulation was high on rice grains ranging from 3125.2 to 15 645.2 μg kg^?1, followed by peanuts ranging from 2206.2 to 12 466.5 μg kg^?1. Less AFB1 accumulation was observed in greengram and sesame seeds ranging from 645.8 to 2245.2 and 245.4 to 2890.6 μg kg^?1, respectively. Our results showed that all food grains tested are susceptible to A. flavus growth and subsequent AFB1 production.     

Influence of gamma-irradiation and maize lipids on the production of aflatoxin B1 by Aspergillus flavus

The effect of gamma-irradiation and maize lipids on aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus artificially inoculated into sterilized maize at reduced water activity (aw 0.84) was investigated. By increasing the irradiation doses the total viable population of A. flavus decreased and the fungus was completely inhibited at 3.0 kGy. The amounts of aflatoxin B1 were enhanced at irradiation dose levels 1.0 and 1.5 kGy in both full-fat maize (FM) and defatted maize (DM) media and no aflatoxin B1 production at 3.0 kGy gamma-irradiation over 45 days of storage was observed. The level in free lipids of FM decreased gradually, whereas free fatty acid values and fungal lipase activity increased markedly by increasing the storage periods. The free fatty acid values decreased by increasing the irradiation dose levels and there was a significant enhancement of fungal lipase activity at doses of 1.0 and 1.50 kGy. The ability of A. flavus to grow at aw 0.84 and produce aflatoxin B1 is related to the lipid composition of maize. The enhancement of aflatoxin B1 at low doses was correlated to the enhancement of fungal lipase activity.     

植物提取物抑制玉米中黄曲霉生长及产毒研究

通过液体培养 直接接触法比较植物提取物肉桂醛、柠檬醛和丁香酚对黄曲霉生长及产毒的抑制作用,选取抑制作用最强的肉桂醛应用到玉米中,研究了添加量、玉米水分含量和储藏温度对肉桂醛抑制黄曲霉生长及产毒的影响。结果表明：液体培养基中,肉桂醛、柠檬醛和丁香酚的最低杀菌浓度与各自完全抑制产毒浓度一致,分别为 100、500和500 μl/L。随着添加量的加大,肉桂醛对黄曲霉生长和产毒的抑制率逐渐升高,挥发浓度为96 μl/L时完全抑制黄曲霉生长,对黄曲霉毒素B1的抑制率为97.98％。在玉米水分为14%~40％时,肉桂醛对玉米黄曲霉污染的抑制率随水分含量的升高显著下降,14％时抑制率最高,为88.24%;对黄曲霉毒素B1始终保持较强的抑制作用,14％时产毒抑制率最高,为97.51％。储藏温度在20~37℃时,肉桂醛对黄曲霉污染的抑制率随温度的升高呈现先升高后降低的趋势,28℃黄曲霉污染抑制率最高,为85.67%;对黄曲霉毒素B1抑制率随温度的升高呈现先降低后升高又降低的趋势,20℃时抑制率最高,达到91.00%。     

Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin production in acid-treated maize

Isobutyric acid (IBA) and propionic-acetic acid (PA) were applied to comparable 52.8 m³ lots of freshly harvested yellow dent maize containing 27% moisture. After 6 months storage, 30% Aspergillus flavus infection and low levels of aflatoxin were detected in adjacent bins of IBA-treated and PA-treated maize. Extensive samples were taken after 7 months from moldy spots in each bin and evaluated for aflatoxin, zearalenone, ochratoxin and microorganisms. Aspergillus flavus (10⁶ propagules/g) was detected in 40% of the PA samples, but no aflatoxin was found. Also, counts of Aspergillus fumigatus, Absidia and Penicillia were high. In addition to the molds found on PA maize, Aspergillus niger was identified on IBA-treated maize. Aspergillus flavus (10⁴–10⁷ propagules/g) was present in 79% of the IBA samples; aflatoxin (from 2 to 857 ng/g) was detected in 57%. Aflatoxin contamination varied between locations within a moldy area. Among 20 individual kernels picked at random from each location, aflatoxin contamination ranged from 150 to 21.800 ng/g in positive kernels. Evidently, bulk quantities of maize must be appraised on the basis of individual kernels because toxin-free kernels often are adjacent to highly contaminated kernels.     

Inhibition by gamma-irradiation and antimicrobial food additives of aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus in poultry diet

The effect of gamma-irradiation and the antimicrobial food additives on growth and aflatoxin B₁ production by A. flavus NRRL 5520 in poultry diet was investigated. By increasing the irradiation doses the viable population as well as aflatoxin B₁ production decreased greatly. No growth and no detection of aflatoxin production occurred in poultry diet after treatment with 6 kGy. The addition of the antimicrobial food additives resulted in a significant decrease in aflatoxin B₁. Growth and toxin production was completely inhibited by 0.64% sodium propionate, 0.134% potassium sorbate and 0.1% sodium bisulfite. The combination treatments between gamma-irradiation (3 kGy) and sodium propionate (0.48%), potassium sorbate (0.022% and 0.044%) and sodium bisulfite (0.0334% and 0.0667%) inhibited completely the fungal growth and aflatoxin B₁ production. At 5 kGy, no growth was recorded and aflatoxin B₁ production was completely inhibited at all tested levels of priopionate, sorbate and bisulfite. The combined effects between gamma-irradiation and the antimicrobial agents had a synergistic effect on the mould growth and aflatoxin production in poultry diet.     

Temperature,water activity and gas composition effects on the growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus on paddy

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effects of temperature with water activity (a_w) and CO₂ with a_w on the growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus Link on paddy. The effects of temperature (20–30 °C) and a_w (0.92–0.98) on the relationship between colony diameter and aflatoxin production, and the influence of a_w (0.92–0.98) and CO₂ (20–80%) on the growth and toxin production were studied using full factorial design. Colony diameters were regularly measured and aflatoxins were periodically analyzed using HPLC with fluorescence detector. The growth and aflatoxin formation increased with a_w at the temperatures studied, and toxin production was positively correlated with the incubation time and colony diameter. Except at 0.92 a_w, as much as 80% CO₂ failed to inhibit the growth of fungi completely. However, at all a_w levels studied the growth parameters as estimated by Baranyi function and aflatoxin were affected by the increment in CO₂ where growth rates and aflatoxin were negatively correlated with CO₂ while the lag phase durations were positively correlated with CO₂. Under 0.98 a_w, the atmosphere enriched with 20% and 80% CO₂ lead to at least 59% and 88% reduction in growth and 47% and 97% in the toxin production, respectively. At 0.95 a_w, the lag phases of both isolates in average increased by a factor of 1.7–12 when the CO₂ levels in the headspace were between 20 and 80% compared to the control. The growth rate and lag phase durations under the modified atmospheres were successfully described using a polynomial equation (R² > 0.97). The results of the study could form a basis of indicative guidelines on the possible control of A. flavus and aflatoxin in paddy during temporary storage prior to drying.     

香菇纤维素衍生物抑制黄曲霉菌产毒的研究

黄曲霉毒素具有诱导突变、抑制免疫和致癌作用。控制黄曲霉毒素污染一直是世界性难题,也是近年来的研究热点之一。实验研究了香菇纤维素衍生物GPX抑制黄曲霉菌产毒活性,初步探究了GPX抑制黄曲霉菌产毒的作用机制。结果表明,10、50μg/mL的GPX对黄曲霉菌产毒的抑制率分别达到70%、95%,而100、250、500、750、1000μg/mL的GPX对黄曲霉菌产毒的抑制率均可达到100%,抑制活性极其明显。GPX离体抗氧化能力很低,但是能够缓解黄曲霉菌丝的氧化胁迫。此外GPX促进了黄曲霉细胞内囊泡过早与大液泡的融合,该现象能够抑制黄曲霉毒素的产生。      

Assessment of azole fungicides as a tool to control growth of Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1 and B2 production in maize

ABSTRACT

Aspergillus flavus is a highly aflatoxin (AF)-producing species infecting maize and other crops. It is dominant in tropical regions, but it is also considered an emerging problem associated with climate change in Europe. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of azole fungicides (prochloraz, tebuconazole and a 2:1 (w/w) mixture of prochloraz plus tebuconazole) to control the growth of A. flavus and AF production in yeast-extract–sucrose (YES) agar and in maize kernels under different water activities (a_w) and temperatures. Aflatoxins B₁ and B₂ were determined by LC with fluorescence detection and post-column derivatisation of AFB₁. In YES medium and maize grains inoculated with conidia of A. flavus, the growth rate (GR) of the fungus and AFB₁ and AFB₂ production were significantly influenced by temperature and treatment. In YES medium and maize kernels, optimal temperatures for GR and AF production were 37 and 25°C, respectively. In maize kernels, spore germination was not detected at the combination 37ºC/0.95 a_w; however, under these conditions germination was found in YES medium. All fungicides were more effective at 0.99 than 0.95 a_w, and at 37 than 25ºC. Fungicides effectiveness was prochloraz > prochloraz plus tebuconazole (2:1) > tebuconazole. AFs were not detected in cultures containing the highest fungicide doses, and only very low AF levels were found in cultures containing 0.1 mg l^–1 prochloraz or 5.0 mg l^–1 tebuconazole. Azoles proved to be highly efficient in reducing A. flavus growth and AF production, although stimulation of AF production was found under particular conditions and low-dosage treatments. Maize kernels were a more favourable substrate for AF biosynthesis than YES medium. This paper is the first comparative study on the effects of different azole formulations against A. flavus and AF production in a semi-synthetic medium and in maize grain under different environmental conditions.     

Effect of γ‐irradiation on aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus and chemical composition of three crop seeds

The effect of γ‐irradiation on aflatoxin B₁ production by Aspergillus flavus, and the chemical composition of some different crop seeds were investigated. A. flavus infected seeds behaved differently according to their principal constituents. A. flavus caused an increase in protein and decrease in lipids and carbohydrate contents of wheat, soyabean and fababean seeds. Growth of A. flavus and production of aflatoxin B₁ was inhibited at a dose level of 5 kGy. A. flavus utilizes carbohydrates of seeds for its growth and aflatoxin production. Crops were arranged, in descending order, according to aflatoxin produced in seeds as wheat > soyabean > fababean. There were no changes in chemical constituents of irradiated seeds, such as protein, lipids, and carbohydrates.     

Antifungal properties and inhibitory effects upon aflatoxin production by Zingiber officinale essential oil in Aspergillus flavus

In this study, the efficacy of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) essential oil (GEO) in reducing A. flavus growth and aflatoxin production was investigated. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that the major components of GEO were α‐zingiberene (23.85%) and geranial (14.16%). Mycelial growth of Aspergillus flavus was reduced significantly at a GEO concentration of 150 μg mL^?1, and complete inhibition of conidial germination was observed at a concentration of 10 μg mL^?1. Statistically significant inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis was detected at a GEO concentration of 10 μg mL^?1. GEO was capable of fully inhibiting aflatoxin production by A. flavus at a concentration of 15 μg mL^?1. The results suggest that low concentrations of GEO are capable of inhibiting aflatoxin production; such ability could be valuable in the upcoming future for agricultural companies to better control aflatoxigenic fungi in agricultural products.     

Interaction of water activity and temperature on aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus in irradiated maize seeds.

The effects of aw (0.90, 0.95, 0.98) and temperature (25 degrees C, 30 degrees C, 35 degrees C) on aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus growing on irradiated maize seeds, were examined. Highest levels of aflatoxin were produced by A. parasitious at 25 degrees C and 0.98 aw and by A. flavus at 30 degrees C at 0.95 and 0.98 aw. At 0.90 aw toxin production was consistently low for both species at all temperatures. Temperature cycling of A. flavus between 25 degrees C and 35 degrees C each for 12 h resulted in higher aflatoxin synthesis than when incubated either at 25 degrees C or 35 degrees C.     

茶多酚对黄曲霉生长及产毒能力的影响

基于氧化应激与黄曲霉毒素生物合成的持续相关性,研究了天然抗氧化剂茶多酚对黄曲霉生长及产毒的影响,并通过扫描电镜观察茶多酚对黄曲霉菌丝体形态的影响,旨在寻找一种安全、高效、环境友好型的抑菌剂来控制食品中黄曲霉毒素的污染。结果表明:茶多酚对黄曲霉菌落生长有一定抑制作用,在10 mg/m L浓度下,抑制率达到48.41%,使黄曲霉菌落生长速率为(5.57±0.16)mm/d,延滞期为(1.32±0.13)d;而茶多酚对黄曲霉产毒抑制效果显著,在1,5和10 mg/m L浓度下,茶多酚对AFB1生物合成的抑制率分别达到了60.15%,87.12%和97.48%;且茶多酚可严重破坏黄曲霉菌丝体的超微结构。因此,茶多酚可作为天然抑菌剂应用于食品与饲料中,控制黄曲霉毒素的污染。     

Influence of white light,near-UV irradiation and other environmental conditions on production of aflatoxin B1 by Aspergillus flavus and ochratoxin A by Aspergillus ochraceus

The effects of illumination, near-ultraviolet, incubation temperature pH and some minor elements on the growth rate and production of aflatoxin B₁ by A. flavus and ochratoxin A by A. ochraceus were investigated. Aflatoxin B₁ and ochratoxin A production was considerably higher in the light than in the dark. The greatest aflatoxin B₁ and ochratoxin A production was occurred after 11 days of fermentation with light- and dark-grown cultures at 25 °C. The mycelial dry weight was also greater in the light than in the dark for both A. flavus and A. ochraceus. Exposure of conidia to near-UV irradiation increased mycelial dry weight and mycotoxins by both fungi more than white light. The greatest aflatoxin B₁ and ochratoxin A was at 25 °C with UV-grown culture (24 h exposure) producing a mean of 400 and 260 μg/50 ml of medium, respectively. The maximum aflatoxin B₁ and ochratoxin A yield was obtained at pH 5.5 and with increasing the initial pH to near neutrality, both mycotoxins yield decreased. Iron, cupper and zinc were observed to stimulate aflatoxin B₁ and ochratoxin A production and enhanced the growth rate of both A. flavus and A. ochraceus.     

Correlation of growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus with some essential metals in gamma irradiated crushed corn

The effects of gamma irradiation and some essential metals on growth and aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus in crushed corn were investigated. The production of aflatoxin by A. flavus was influenced by the addition of zinc, copper or iron and the effect gradually decreased with increasing metal concentration from 0 to 300 ppm. A. flavus grew and depleted zinc, copper and iron at initial concentration of 100, 200 or 300 ppm. Presence of 100 ppm zinc, copper or iron plus gamma irradiation (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 kGy) enhanced the growth of A. flavus and the production of aflatoxin in contrast with irradiated samples alone. A. flavus was able to metabolize and deplete elements in all gamma-irradiated samples. These results suggest that stricter control of element levels in gamma irradiated grains could control aflatoxin contamination.     

含水量对玉米粉贮藏期黄曲霉生长及黄曲霉毒素B1积累的影响

目的 研究含水量对玉米粉贮藏过程中黄曲霉生长及黄曲霉毒素B1积累的影响。方法 将初始水分含量10.42%、13.26%、16.35%、19.88%的玉米粉在28 ℃, 相对湿度75%的模拟环境中储藏30 d; 测定贮藏期间玉米粉含水量、黄曲霉生长量及黄曲霉毒素B1的积累量。结果 贮藏期间玉米粉中含水量呈现先上升后下降的变化趋势, 黄曲霉生长量及黄曲霉毒素B1的积累量随贮藏时间的延迟先快速升高, 后趋于平稳。初始含水量较高的玉米粉贮藏期间含水量、黄曲霉生长量及黄曲霉毒素B1含量始终处于较高的水平。相关性分析表明, 玉米粉含水量、黄曲霉生长量和毒素积累量之间均呈极显著的正相关(P<0.01)。结论 含水量是影响玉米粉贮藏过程中霉菌生长和毒素积累的关键因素, 降低玉米粉初始含水量可以有效减轻贮藏期间真菌危害。