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

Summary

Researchers identified four types of Aspergillus fungi that contaminate crops and produce a toxic substance called ochratoxin. They tested whether tiny zinc oxide particles, created using plant extracts, could stop these fungi from making toxins. The green-synthesized nanoparticles successfully reduced toxin production in some fungal species, offering a promising natural approach to protecting food crops.

Background

Aspergillus section Circumdati comprises fungal species that contaminate agricultural and industrial products and are known for producing ochratoxins and other mycotoxins. This study investigates the phylogenetic relationships and toxin-producing capabilities of strains isolated from Vitis vinifera and Calotropis procera plants, and explores potential control methods using green-synthesized nanoparticles.

Objective

To identify 34 strains of Aspergillus section Circumdati using morphological and molecular criteria, investigate the polyketide synthase gene involved in ochratoxin production, assess ochratoxin levels, and evaluate the inhibitory effects of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles on toxin production.

Results

Four 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 (0.020-53 ppm), with the highest levels in A. pseudoelegans. Green-synthesized ZnO-NPs significantly reduced OTA production in A. insulicola and A. pseudoelegans.

Conclusion

Four Aspergillus species were successfully discriminated in section Circumdati, with pks gene not being the sole determinant of ochratoxin production. Green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated strong antimycotoxin activity, suggesting potential for controlling ochratoxin contamination in agricultural products.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40415920, DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2379480
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