mycotoxin contamination – Page 3

Unveiling the hidden arsenal: exploring secondary metabolites and fungal development in pathogenic fungi

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Dangerous fungi produce hidden chemical compounds that help them infect humans and crops while also potentially serving as medicines. Scientists are studying how these compounds work and how fungi make them to develop better treatments and protect our food supply. This editorial highlights recent research showing that understanding fungal chemistry from genetic, ecological, and medical perspectives will help us fight fungal diseases as resistance increases.

Comparative genome analysis of patulin-producing Penicillium paneum OM1 isolated from pears

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Researchers sequenced the complete genome of a mold called Penicillium paneum that grows on apples and pears and produces patulin, a toxic substance harmful to humans. They found the specific genes responsible for making patulin and identified other potentially useful compounds this mold can produce. Understanding these genes could help develop better ways to prevent patulin contamination in fruit and fruit products that people consume.

Occurrence of Aspergillus and Penicillium Species, Accumulation of Fungal Secondary Metabolites, and qPCR Detection of Potential Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus Species in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Seeds from Different Farming Systems

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This study examined chickpea seeds purchased from stores to check for dangerous fungi and toxins they produce. Researchers found that organic chickpeas had more fungal contamination than conventionally grown ones. While most of the dangerous fungi didn’t produce harmful toxins in the seeds, their presence suggests chickpeas should be regularly tested to keep consumers safe.

The Toxin-Producing Ability of Fusarium Proliferatum Strains Isolated from Grain

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Scientists studied a common fungus called Fusarium proliferatum that contaminates grain crops like wheat, oats, and maize. They identified 12 different strains of this fungus and tested how much toxic substances they could produce. All of the strains produced dangerous toxins called fumonisins and other harmful compounds that can make the grain unsafe to eat. The findings show farmers and grain producers need to monitor their crops carefully to prevent this fungal contamination.

Sweet Pepper cv. Lai Lai Ripeness Stage Influences Susceptibility to Mycotoxinogenic Alternaria alternata Causing Black Mold

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This research shows that green and red peppers can both develop black mold caused by a fungus called Alternaria alternata, but at different rates depending on temperature. Red peppers are more susceptible to severe infection at room temperature, while both types are similarly affected during cold storage. Importantly, infected peppers can produce toxins harmful to human health, emphasizing the need for preventing fungal infection in pepper crops before harvest and storage.

Mycotoxins: An ongoing challenge to food safety and security

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Mycotoxins are poisonous substances produced by fungi that contaminate crops and threaten both human and animal health. Climate change is making the problem worse by creating conditions that favor toxic fungi growth. Scientists are developing better detection methods and recommending integrated farming approaches to reduce contamination and protect food safety globally.

Current Approaches to Aflatoxin B1 Control in Food and Feed Safety: Detection, Inhibition, and Mitigation

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Aflatoxins are poisonous substances made by certain molds that contaminate about a quarter of the world’s food supply and are known carcinogens. This review examines the latest methods for detecting these toxins (from simple lab tests to advanced smartphone-powered devices) and ways to remove or prevent them, including using beneficial bacteria and special plasma treatment. The research shows that combining multiple approaches—detection technology with biological solutions—works best for keeping our food and animal feed safe from these dangerous contaminants.

Mycotoxin contamination in Malawi: A systematic review of progress and trends in contamination, knowledge, attitude, and practices

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This review examines mycotoxin (toxic mold) contamination in Malawi and found that most people—farmers, traders, and health workers—don’t know about these dangerous substances or how to prevent them. Although groundnuts and maize are well-studied, other commonly eaten foods like dried fish and mushrooms have been largely ignored in research. Despite years of efforts to educate communities, awareness remains critically low at about 24.5%, and poverty often forces people to eat contaminated food because it’s cheaper.

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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This research develops computer models to predict when dangerous molds grow on dried figs and produce toxins. Scientists tested how wet the figs are, their acidity, and a natural plant compound called oxalic acid affect the growth of two common toxic molds. The study found that drier figs are much safer from toxin production, and while oxalic acid alone isn’t a strong mold-fighter, it can help when combined with other conditions. These models can help the fig industry prevent contamination and keep dried figs safe for consumers.

Unveiling the Substrate-Dependent Dynamics of Mycotoxin Production in Fusarium verticillioides Using an OSMAC-Metabolomics Approach

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Researchers studied how different growing conditions affect the production of harmful toxins by a fungus called Fusarium verticillioides that contaminates crops. Using advanced chemical analysis techniques, they found that the type of growth medium and time of incubation significantly influenced which toxins the fungus produced and in what amounts. Growing the fungus on corn-based medium produced different toxins than growing it on barley-based medium. These findings can help develop better strategies to prevent mycotoxin contamination in food and animal feed.

Research Keyword: mycotoxin contamination