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Zhao W, Ma X, Yan H, Zhang L, Shi W, Zhou Y. Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins control in long-term storage of food ingredients of Puerh tea, peanut and polished rice. Food Chem 2024; 461:140805. [PMID: 39181056 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Aflatoxins are a group of high toxic mycotoxins in food chain. Recent studies showed that aflatoxins might contaminate post-fermented tea, but the result remains controversial. Here, Aspgergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin production were characterized in Puerh tea, peanut and polished rice at different initial water activity (aw) values for long-term storage. As a result, food initial aw value was the critical factor for A. flavus growth and aflatoxin production, and A. flavus almost not grew on foods at aw value lower than 0.8. A. flavus grew best in peanut, followed by rice, but growth on Puerh tea was limited. A. flavus growth was inhibited significantly by adding tea to Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Accordingly, aflatoxins produced dramatically in peanut, followed by rice at the first 90 days storage. However, aflatoxin neither produced in Puerh tea nor on tea modified PDA, indicating tea components inhibited A. flavus growth and aflatoxins synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang Road West, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xue Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang Road West, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Hangbin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang Road West, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang Road West, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang Road West, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang Road West, Hefei 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Jianghuai Agricultural Product Fine Processing and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang Road West, Hefei 230036, China.
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Koňuchová M, Boháčiková A, Valík Ľ. Characterisation of the surface growth of Mucor circinelloides in cheese agar media using predictive mathematical models. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30812. [PMID: 38765159 PMCID: PMC11101853 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this work was to characterise the mycelial growth of Mucor circinelloides, one of the fungal contaminants that appear frequently in the artisan cheese production environment. The study uses primary Baranyi and Huang models to compare their parameters and predict M. circinelloides on cheese-based medium (CBA) under diverse environmental conditions (temperature range from 6 to 37 °C and 0 and 1 % NaCl concentration). However, the Baranyi model consistently estimated longer lag phases and higher surface growth rates (sgr) than the Huang model; both models showed adequate best-fit performance (exactly with the mean coefficient of determination R2 = (0.993 ± 0.020 × 10-1). The groups of primary growth parameters were analysed against temperature using the cardinal model (CM) with the following main outputs. The optimal surface growth rates (sgropt) on CBA were 6.8 and 6.5 mm/d calculated with the Baranyi and Huang models, respectively. They were reduced by approximately 46 % on the surface of the agar medium when 1 % NaCl was added. Topt was estimated in a very narrow range of 32.1-32.5 °C from both primary sgr data sets (0 % and 1 % NaCl). Similarly, Tmax values of 37.2 °C and 37.3 °C were estimated for the Baranyi and Huang models, respectively; however, they decreased at 2 °C in CBA with 1 % NaCl (Tmax = 35.1 °C). The application of CM for sgr provided an estimation of the parameter Tmin with negative values that are considered only as a theoretical output. The results provide insight into the modelling and prediction of fungi growth as a function of time and salt concentration, including the times to detect visible mycelial growth of Mucor circinelloides. The mere quantification of this phenomenon can be useful for practice. Adjusting the frequency of the cheese surface washing step with a salt solution at the early stage of ripening properly can prevent the growth of not only fast fungal growers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Koňuchová
- Institute of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Agáta Boháčiková
- Institute of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ľubomír Valík
- Institute of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Yang C, Wu D, Lin H, Ma D, Fu W, Yao Y, Pan X, Wang S, Zhuang Z. Role of RNA Modifications, Especially m6A, in Aflatoxin Biosynthesis of Aspergillus flavus. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:726-741. [PMID: 38112282 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c05926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
RNA modifications play key roles in eukaryotes, but the functions in Aspergillus flavus are still unknown. Temperature has been reported previously to be a critical environmental factor that regulates the aflatoxin production of A. flavus, but much remains to be learned about the molecular networks. Here, we demonstrated that 12 kinds of RNA modifications in A. flavus were significantly changed under 29 °C compared to 37 °C incubation; among them, m6A was further verified by a colorimetric method. Then, the transcriptome-wide m6A methylome and m6A-altered genes were comprehensively illuminated through methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing, from which 22 differentially methylated and expressed transcripts under 29 °C were screened out. It is especially notable that AFCA_009549, an aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway gene (aflQ), and the m6A methylation of its 332nd adenine in the mRNA significantly affect aflatoxin biosynthesis in A. flavus both on media and crop kernels. The content of sterigmatocystin in both ΔaflQ and aflQA332C strains was significantly higher than that in the WT strain. Together, these findings reveal that RNA modifications are associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis of A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Institute of Edible Mushroom, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350012, China
| | - Dandan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Hong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Dongmei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Wangzhuo Fu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yanfang Yao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaohua Pan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhenhong Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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Zhao T, Ying P, Zhang Y, Chen H, Yang X. Research Advances in the High-Value Utilization of Peanut Meal Resources and Its Hydrolysates: A Review. Molecules 2023; 28:6862. [PMID: 37836705 PMCID: PMC10574612 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Peanut meal (PM) is a by-product of extracting oil from peanut kernels. Although peanut meal contains protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and small amounts of polyphenols and fiber, it has long been used as a feed in the poultry and livestock industries due to its coarse texture and unpleasant taste. It is less commonly utilized in the food processing industry. In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of research conducted on the deep processing of by-products from oil crops, resulting in the high-value processing and utilization of by-products from various oil crops. These include peanut meal, which undergoes treatments such as enzymatic hydrolysis in industries like food, chemical, and aquaculture. The proteins, lipids, polyphenols, fibers, and other components present in these by-products and hydrolysates can be incorporated into products for further utilization. This review focuses on the research progress in various fields, such as the food processing, breeding, and industrial fields, regarding the high-value utilization of peanut meal and its hydrolysates. The aim is to provide valuable insights and strategies for maximizing the utilization of peanut meal resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhao
- Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Food Green Processing and Safety Control, College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Peifei Ying
- College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China; (P.Y.); (Y.Z.); (H.C.)
| | - Yahan Zhang
- College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China; (P.Y.); (Y.Z.); (H.C.)
| | - Hanyu Chen
- College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China; (P.Y.); (Y.Z.); (H.C.)
| | - Xingbin Yang
- Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Food Green Processing and Safety Control, College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
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Al-Zaban MI. Impacts of Temperature and Water Activity Interactions on Growth, Aflatoxin B1 Production and Expression of Major Biosynthetic Genes of AFB1 in Aspergillus flavus Isolates. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1199. [PMID: 37317174 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The contamination of peanuts, with Aspergillus flavus and subsequent aflatoxins (AFs) is considered to be one of the most serious, safety problems in the world. Water activity (aw) and temperature are limiting, factors for fungal growth and aflatoxin production during storage. The objectives of this study were to integrate data on the effects of temperature (34, 37, and 42 °C) and water activity (aw; 0.85, 0.90, and 0.95) on growth rate aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production and up- or-downregulation of the molecular expression of biosynthetic AFB1 genes divided into three types based on their A. flavus isolate composition and AFB1 capacity in vitro: A. flavus KSU114 (high producer), A. flavus KSU114 (low producer), and A. flavus KSU121 (non-producer). The A. flavus isolates were shown to be resilient in terms of growth on yeast extract sucrose agar media when exposed to temperature and water activity as pivotal environmental factors. The optimal conditions for the fungal growth of three isolates were a temperature of 34 °C and water activity of 0.95 aw; there was very slow fungal growth at the highest temperature of 42 °C, with different aw values causing inhibited fungal growth. The AFB1 production for the three isolates followed the same pattern with one exception: A. flavus KSU114 failed to produce any AFB1 at 42 °C with different aw values. All tested genes of A. flavus were significantly up- or downregulated under three levels of interaction between temperature and aw. The late structural genes of the pathway were significantly upregulated at 34 °C under aw 0.95, although aflR, aflS and most of the early structural genes were upregulated. Compared to 34 °C with an aw value of 0.95, most of the expressed genes were significantly downregulated at 37 and 42 °C with aw values of 0.85 and 0.90. Additionally, two regulatory genes were downregulated under the same conditions. The expression level of laeA was also completely associated with AFB1 production, while the expression level of brlA was linked to A. flavus colonization. This information is required to forecast the actual effects of climate change on A. flavus. The findings can be applied to improve specific food technology processes and create prevention strategies to limit the concentrations of potential carcinogenic substances in peanuts and their derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayasar I Al-Zaban
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
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Owumi SE, Arunsi UO, Oyelere AK. The protective effect of 3-indolepropanoic acid on aflatoxin B1-induced systemic perturbation of the liver and kidney function in rats. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2023; 37:369-384. [PMID: 36214208 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known to derange the hepatorenal system by redox, DNA adduct formation and apoptotic networks. Endogenous 3-indole propionic acid (3-IPA) is a metabolite of tryptophan metabolism by gut microbiota that can protect against redox imbalance, inflammation and cellular lipid damage. We investigated the beneficial effect of 3-IPA against AFB1-mediated organ toxicity in male rats post 28 days of consecutive treatment. The 3-IPA (25 and 50 mg/kg) was orally administered alongside AFB1 (50 μg/kg) treatment. Biochemical and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were utilised to examine biomarkers of hepatorenal function, oxidative status and inflammation. DNA damage and apoptosis were also assessed, and histological staining techniques were used to investigate hepatorenal tissues for pathological indicators. The 3-IPA supplementation abated AFB1-mediated increases in biomarkers of hepatic and renal dysfunction in rat serum. Co-administration of 3-IPA further reduced AFB1-induced redox imbalance (by upregulating antioxidant mediators and enzymes [GSH, TSH, Trx, Trx-R, SOD, CAT, GPx and GST]; reducing reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and DNA adduct [RONS, LPO and 8-OH-dG] formation; suppressing pro-inflammatory and apoptotic mediators [XO, MPO, NO, IL-1β and Casp -9 and -3]; and upregulating the level of interleukin 10 (IL-10). Moreover, treatment with 3-IPA lessened hepatorenal tissue injuries. These findings suggest that augmenting 3-IPA endogenously from tryptophan metabolism may provide a novel strategy to forestall xenobiotics-mediated hepatorenal toxicity, including AFB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Uche O Arunsi
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Adegboyega K Oyelere
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Chuaysrinule C, Maneeboon T, Mahakarnchanakul W. Mutual effects on mycotoxin production during co-culture of ochratoxigenic and aflatoxigenic Aspergillus strains. Mycotoxin Res 2023; 39:57-66. [PMID: 36633770 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-022-00473-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Mycotoxin co-occurrence compromises the safety of food crops worldwide. Environmental factors, as well as fungal interaction, can substantially influence the infectivity of mycotoxigenic fungi and their subsequent production of multi-mycotoxin. Here, we investigated the mutual effects of the co-culture of ochratoxigenic and aflatoxigenic Aspergillus strains on the co-production of ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Single cultures of ochratoxigenic A. carbonarius and A. alliaceus grew optimally at 25 °C, whereas aflatoxigenic A. flavus grew optimally at 35 °C. The maximum levels of OTA and AFB1 were achieved at 25 °C, whereas mycotoxin production decreased at 35 °C. During competitive growth of the ochratoxigenic and aflatoxigenic isolates, inhibition or stimulation of mycotoxin production was dependent on the fungal strain, temperature, and the ratio of the spore concentration. Aspergillus carbonarius and A. alliaceus generally produced OTA, with similar patterns of relative OTA levels at all temperatures. AFB1 production by A. flavus in the presence of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus species was inhibited at 25 °C and stimulated at 35 °C. These results indicated that the temperature, presence of other mycotoxigenic Aspergillus species, and ratio of the initial spore concentration significantly contributed to the co-production of OTA and AFB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chananya Chuaysrinule
- Scientific Equipment and Research Division, Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute (KURDI), Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Thanapoom Maneeboon
- Scientific Equipment and Research Division, Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute (KURDI), Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Warapa Mahakarnchanakul
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
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Maximizing Laboratory Production of Aflatoxins and Fumonisins for Use in Experimental Animal Feeds. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122385. [PMID: 36557638 PMCID: PMC9786054 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Warm and humid climatic conditions coupled with poor agricultural practices in sub-Saharan Africa favor the contamination of food and feed by Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides fungi, which subsequently may produce aflatoxins (AFs) and fumonisins (FBs), respectively. The growth of fungi and the production of mycotoxins are influenced by physical (temperature, pH, water activity, light and aeration), nutritional, and biological factors. This study aimed at optimizing the conditions for the laboratory production of large quantities of AFs and FBs for use in the animal experiments. A. flavus and F. verticillioides strains, previously isolated from maize in Kenya, were used. Levels of AFB1 and total FBs (FB1, FB2, and FB3) in different growth substrates were screened using ELISA methods. Maize kernels inoculated with three different strains of A. flavus simultaneously and incubated at 29 °C for 21 days had the highest AFB1 level of 12,550 ± 3397 μg/kg of substrate. The highest level of total FBs (386,533 ± 153,302 μg/kg of substrate) was detected in cracked maize inoculated with three different strains of F. verticillioides and incubated for 21 days at temperatures of 22-25 °C in a growth chamber fitted with yellow light. These two methods are recommended for the mass production of AFB1 and FBs for animal feeding trials.
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Influence of abiotic factors (water activity and temperature) on growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus in a chickpea-based medium. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 379:109841. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Phan LTK, Nguyen HX, De Saeger S, Jacxsens L, Eeckhout M, Devlieghere F. Predictive modelling of the radial growth of Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium proliferatum on paddy and white rice (Oryza sativa). Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 375:109743. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ayranci UG, Karaca H. Effect of in-package gas composition on growth and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus in culture medium and red pepper. Int J Food Microbiol 2021; 357:109368. [PMID: 34481126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2021.109368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the effect of in-package gas composition on growth and aflatoxin production of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus was investigated. For this purpose, semi-dried red pepper samples and potato dextrose agar media with different pH values (3.5, 5.6, 7.0 and 9.0) were inoculated with A. flavus and packaged under different gas atmospheres (air, 100% N2, 70% N2 + 30% CO2 and 100% CO2). The growth of the fungus was monitored during storage at 25 °C for 8 days and the aflatoxin levels produced were determined at the end of storage. The highest growth rate was observed in the medium at pH 9.0 and the highest toxin production was in the medium at pH 5.6. Slowdowns up to 55.6% and 28.0% in the growth of A. flavus in the culture medium and red pepper were observed when packaging under 100% N2 was employed. It was found that 70% N2 + 30% CO2 atmosphere was more effective than 100% N2 in inhibiting the growth of A. flavus in red peppers; however, the difference between the aflatoxin levels produced in the samples packaged under these gas compositions was not significant (p > 0.05). CO2 concentrations higher than 90% in the package were quite effective against A. flavus resulting in 60% and 99% reductions in the growth and aflatoxin production of the fungus in red pepper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ufuk Gokce Ayranci
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Pamukkale University, 20160 Kinikli, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Hakan Karaca
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Pamukkale University, 20160 Kinikli, Denizli, Turkey.
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