Research Keyword: mycotoxin prevention

Algae and Cyanobacteria Fatty Acids and Bioactive Metabolites: Natural Antifungal Alternative Against Fusarium sp.

Fusarium fungi cause serious crop diseases that farmers traditionally treat with chemical fungicides, but these chemicals harm the environment and create resistant fungi. Scientists are finding that algae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) produce natural compounds like fatty acids that can fight these fungi effectively. This research shows promising results for developing natural, environmentally-friendly fungicides that could help farmers protect crops without chemical damage.

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The Antimicrobial Extract Derived from Pseudomonas sp. HP-1 for Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Prolongation of Maize Seed Storage

Researchers discovered that a beneficial bacterium called Pseudomonas sp. HP-1 can produce a natural compound that effectively prevents mold contamination in stored maize seeds. The extract from this bacterium showed strong antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus, a major cause of aflatoxin contamination in grain storage. The main protective compound was identified as phenazinecarboxylic acid, which works by damaging the cell membranes of fungal cells. This finding offers a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides for protecting stored crops.

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Evaluating the Role of Nutrient Competition in Debaryomyces hansenii Biocontrol Activity Against Spoilage Molds in the Meat Industry

This research examined how a beneficial yeast called Debaryomyces hansenii prevents dangerous molds from growing on cured meat products. Scientists compared different strains of this yeast and tested whether it works by competing with molds for nutrients. While the yeast successfully stopped mold growth and spore production, nutrient competition wasn’t the main reason—other mechanisms like direct interactions between the microorganisms were more important. This suggests D. hansenii could be a natural alternative to chemical preservatives in the meat industry.

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Inhibition Mechanism of Cinnamomum burmannii Leaf Essential Oil Against Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxins

This research shows that essential oil from cinnamon leaves can effectively prevent a dangerous fungus (Aspergillus flavus) from contaminating stored foods like peanuts and grains, and stops it from producing a cancer-causing toxin called aflatoxin. The oil works by damaging the fungus’s cell membrane, disrupting its energy production, and triggering stress responses. Ten main aromatic compounds in the oil, especially eucalyptol and borneol, are responsible for this protective effect. This suggests cinnamon leaf oil could be used as a natural, safe alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting stored food.

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Isolation and Identification of Aspergillus spp. from Rotted Walnuts and Inhibition Mechanism of Aspergillus flavus via Cinnamon Essential Oil

Researchers collected rotted walnuts from storage in Shanxi, China and identified five types of Aspergillus fungi contaminating them, with Aspergillus flavus being the most common. They tested cinnamon essential oil as a natural antifungal treatment and found it effectively stopped fungal growth by damaging the fungi’s cell membranes and causing oxidative stress. This research suggests cinnamon essential oil could be used as a safe, natural alternative to chemical fungicides for preserving walnuts and other foods from fungal spoilage.

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Talaromyces pinophilus Strain HD25G2 as a Novel Biocontrol Agent of Fusarium culmorum, the Causal Agent of Root and Crown Rot of Soft Wheat

A fungus called Talaromyces pinophilus shows promise as a natural pest controller against Fusarium culmorum, which damages wheat crops worldwide. When applied early to wheat seeds, this beneficial fungus produces enzymes that break down the harmful fungus’s cell walls, completely preventing damage and toxin contamination. However, timing is critical—if applied too late, it can paradoxically increase toxin production, suggesting it works best as a preventative treatment before infection occurs.

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