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Phylogeny of Aspergillus section Circumdati and inhibition of ochratoxins potential by green synthesised ZnO nanoparticles

Summary

Researchers identified four species of Aspergillus fungus that contaminate crops and produce poisonous compounds called ochratoxins. They found that specially made zinc oxide nanoparticles, created using an environmentally friendly method with basil extract, can significantly reduce the amount of ochratoxins produced by these fungi. This discovery could help protect agricultural products from contamination and improve food safety.

Background

Aspergillus section Circumdati contamination of agricultural and industrial products poses a significant problem because many species in this section produce ochratoxins and other toxins. This study addresses the need to identify and characterize these fungal species and explore methods to inhibit their toxin production.

Objective

To identify 34 strains of Aspergillus section Circumdati using morphological criteria and calmodulin gene sequencing, investigate the polyketide synthase (pks) gene involved in ochratoxin production, quantify ochratoxin A levels, and evaluate the anti-mycotoxin effect of green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles.

Results

Four Aspergillus species were identified: A. insulicola, A. ochraceopetaliformis, A. ochraceus, and A. pseudoelegans, with A. ochraceus comprising 79.4% of strains. Fifteen A. ochraceus strains were positive for the pks gene, while other species were negative. All tested strains produced ochratoxin A at levels ranging from 0.020-53 ppm. Green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles significantly reduced ochratoxin A production in A. insulicola and A. pseudoelegans from 27 and 53 ppm to 7.4 and 26 ppm respectively.

Conclusion

Four distinct Aspergillus species were discriminated in section Circumdati with A. ochraceus being the predominant species. The polyketide synthase gene is not the only gene responsible for ochratoxin production in this section. Green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles demonstrate strong antimycotoxin activity and potential for controlling ochratoxin production in contaminated agricultural products.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40415920, DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2379480
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