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The Shewanella algae Strain YM8 Produces Volatiles with Strong Inhibition Activity Against Aspergillus Pathogens and Aflatoxins

Summary

This research discovered that a marine bacterium produces natural compounds that can prevent the growth of harmful fungi and their toxic products in stored foods like corn and peanuts. This finding is significant for everyday life in several ways: • Safer food storage – The bacterial compounds could help keep stored grains and nuts free from dangerous fungal toxins • Natural preservation – Provides an environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical preservatives and fungicides • Cost savings – Could reduce food waste and economic losses from fungal contamination • Public health protection – Helps prevent exposure to cancer-causing fungal toxins in food • Agricultural applications – Shows potential for developing new natural crop protection products

Background

Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus fungi and associated aflatoxins are ubiquitous pathogens that infect many crops and contaminate food/feed commodities during storage. These fungi produce carcinogenic aflatoxins that pose serious health risks when consumed. Currently, fungicides are the primary control method but can be harmful to human health and may enhance aflatoxin production. Alternative bio-control strategies are needed.

Objective

To characterize the antifungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by marine bacterium Shewanella algae strain YM8 and evaluate their effectiveness in controlling Aspergillus growth and aflatoxin production.

Results

YM8 completely inhibited A. flavus mycelial growth and conidial germination through volatile emissions. GC-MS identified 15 volatile compounds, with dimethyl trisulfide being most abundant. The six tested compounds all showed antifungal activity, with dimethyl trisulfide and 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-phenol showing strongest inhibition. YM8 completely prevented Aspergillus growth and aflatoxin production in maize and peanut samples at all water activity levels tested. SEM revealed severe structural damage to fungal conidia and complete inhibition of mycelial development.

Conclusion

The marine bacterium S. algae strain YM8 produces multiple volatile compounds that effectively inhibit Aspergillus growth and aflatoxin production both in vitro and in agricultural samples. The VOCs severely damage fungal structures and prevent colonization. This study demonstrates the potential of marine bacterial volatiles as a safe and environmentally-friendly strategy for controlling toxigenic fungal pathogens during crop storage.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01091
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