aflatoxin – mycolab.ai

Key sugar transporters drive development and pathogenicity in Aspergillus flavus

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Researchers studied how Aspergillus flavus fungus transports sugars, which is crucial for its growth, producing the toxic aflatoxin that contaminates crops like corn and peanuts. By removing genes responsible for sugar transport, they found that the fungus became weak, couldn’t infect plants or animals effectively, and stopped producing the dangerous aflatoxin. This discovery could help develop new strategies to prevent aflatoxin contamination in food and reduce serious fungal infections in humans.

Pleurotus eryngii Culture Filtrate and Aqueous Extracts Alleviate Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis

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This research demonstrates that extracts from oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus eryngii) can effectively prevent the production of aflatoxin B1, a highly toxic and cancer-causing substance produced by certain molds that contaminate crops like corn and wheat. The mushroom extracts work by inhibiting the toxin production by up to 94%, offering a natural, environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. The study suggests that compounds in mushrooms, including special sugars and enzymes, may help protect food supplies from this dangerous contamination, which is becoming increasingly important as climate change creates more favorable conditions for mold growth.

Pleurotus spp.—an effective way in degradation mycotoxins? A comprehensive review

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This review examines how oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species) can break down mycotoxins—harmful compounds produced by molds in food and animal feed. These mushrooms produce special enzymes that can degrade toxins like aflatoxins and zearalenone, potentially reaching 30-100% degradation depending on conditions. This offers a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical detoxification methods currently used in the food industry.

Synergistic inhibition of Aspergillus flavus by organic acid salts: growth, oxidative stress, and aflatoxin gene modulation

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A dangerous fungus called Aspergillus flavus contaminates animal feed and produces harmful toxins called aflatoxins that can make animals sick. Researchers tested a combination of three salt-based organic acids commonly used as natural food preservatives and found they work together to kill this fungus much better than using them individually. The combination damages the fungus’s cell structure, creates harmful reactive oxygen inside the cells, and shuts down the genes that produce the toxins, making it an excellent safe option for protecting animal feed.

One-Health Approach to Managing Aflatoxin-Producing Aspergillus flavus Using Spent Mushroom Substrate of Pleurotus spp

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This study shows that leftover substrate from growing oyster and red mushrooms can work together with a common antifungal fungicide to better prevent harmful Aspergillus fungi from contaminating corn. The combination of mushroom waste and fungicide was more effective than using either alone, and could potentially reduce the amount of chemicals needed in agriculture while protecting the environment and preventing drug resistance.

Inhibitive effect of Urginea epigea methanolic extract and silver/zinc oxide nanoparticles on Aspergillus and aflatoxin production

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Researchers tested whether a plant called Urginea epigea could stop the growth of a dangerous fungus (Aspergillus flavus) that produces aflatoxins, which can harm humans and animals. The plant extract completely stopped fungus growth at high concentrations and significantly reduced the production of toxins by turning off the genes responsible for toxin production. This suggests that plant-based treatments could offer a natural alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides for protecting food from contamination.

The Effect of Aspergillus flavus on Seedling Development in Maize

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Aspergillus flavus is a dangerous fungus that contaminates maize crops and produces toxic aflatoxins harmful to human and animal health. Researchers tested maize varieties to identify which are naturally resistant to this fungus using a simple laboratory method. They found significant differences in resistance among maize varieties and proposed a new evaluation system to help identify resistant varieties before they are sold to farmers, which could help reduce aflatoxin contamination in our food supply.

Modelling the Combined Effects of Oxalic Acid, Water Activity, and pH on the Growth and Mycotoxin Production of Aspergillus spp. in a Dried Fig System

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Dried figs can become contaminated with harmful fungi that produce dangerous toxins during the drying process. Researchers used mathematical modeling to understand how water content, acidity, and oxalic acid treatment affect fungal growth and toxin production in figs. They found that reducing water content is the most effective way to prevent dangerous toxin buildup. These models help the fig industry identify and avoid conditions that promote contamination, ultimately making dried figs safer for consumers.

Inhibitive effect of Urginea epigea methanolic extract and silver/zinc oxide nanoparticles on Aspergillus and aflatoxin production

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Scientists tested a plant called Urginea epigea and special tiny particles made of silver and zinc to stop a dangerous fungus called Aspergillus flavus from growing and producing aflatoxins, which are harmful poisons found in food. When used at the right concentration, the plant extract completely stopped the fungus from growing. The treatment worked by turning off the fungus’s ability to make the poison by reducing the activity of specific genes. This natural approach could offer a safer alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting our food supply.

Antagonistic Potential of Agro-Industrial Byproduct–Derived Lactic Acid Bacteria Against Mycotoxigenic Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides

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Researchers discovered that certain lactic acid bacteria found in food waste products can effectively prevent the growth of harmful fungi and block the production of dangerous mycotoxins. These bacteria work through multiple mechanisms including acidification and production of protective compounds. The findings suggest these natural bacteria could be used as safe, sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides in food preservation and safety.

Research Keyword: aflatoxin