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

Summary

This research studied yellow-colored fungal species that contaminate crops and can produce harmful toxins called ochratoxins. Scientists identified four different species of these fungi and found that tiny zinc oxide particles made from plant extract could reduce toxin production. The study shows promise for using these nanoparticles to protect food and agricultural products from fungal contamination.

Background

Aspergillus section Circumdati contaminates agricultural and industrial products and many species produce ochratoxins and other toxins. This study focused on identifying strains from this section isolated from Vitis vinifera and Calotropis procera plants and investigating their toxin production capabilities.

Objective

To identify 34 strains of Aspergillus section Circumdati using morphological criteria and calmodulin gene sequencing, investigate the polyketide synthase gene involved in ochratoxin production, and evaluate the inhibitory effect of green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles on ochratoxin production.

Results

Four Aspergillus species were identified: A. insulicola, A. ochraceopetaliformis, A. ochraceus, and A. pseudoelegans. Fifteen A. ochraceus strains were positive for pks gene while other species were negative. Approximately 97% of strains produced ochratoxin A at levels ranging from 0.020-53 ppm. ZnO-NPs significantly reduced ochratoxin production in A. insulicola and A. pseudoelegans cultures.

Conclusion

Four distinct species were identified in A. section Circumdati with A. ochraceus comprising 79.4% of tested strains. Polyketide synthase is not the only gene responsible for ochratoxin production. Green-synthesized ZnO-NPs demonstrate strong antimycotoxin activity and potential for controlling ochratoxin production.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40415920, DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2379480
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