Research Keyword: ochratoxin A

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

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.

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The Effect of Mushroom Culture Filtrates on the Inhibition of Mycotoxins Produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus carbonarius

Researchers tested extracts from 42 different mushroom species to find ones that could prevent harmful toxins produced by mold from contaminating our food and animal feed. They discovered that two mushroom species—turkey tail mushroom and a species called Schizophyllum commune—produced compounds that blocked over 90% of toxin production. These mushroom compounds work by boosting the mold’s natural defense systems, essentially making it unable to produce the dangerous toxins.

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The Global Secondary Metabolite Regulator AcLaeA Modulates Aspergillus carbonarius Virulence, Ochratoxin Biosynthesis, and the Mode of Action of Biopesticides and Essential Oils

Grapes can be infected with a fungus called Aspergillus carbonarius that produces a dangerous toxin called ochratoxin A. Scientists studied a regulatory gene called AcLaeA that controls toxin production in this fungus. By deleting this gene, the fungus became less virulent and produced much less toxin. Natural products like cinnamon and thyme oils, along with commercial biocontrol products, were found to reduce toxin production by suppressing this regulatory gene, offering promising natural alternatives to chemical fungicides.

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Prevalence of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in Arabic coffee (Coffea arabica): Protective role of traditional coffee roasting, brewing and bacterial volatiles

This study examined toxin-producing fungi and harmful mycotoxins found in coffee sold in Qatar markets. Researchers tested whether traditional coffee roasting and brewing methods reduce these harmful compounds, and also tested a beneficial bacterium that produces antifungal compounds. They found that higher roasting temperatures and brewing significantly reduced the dangerous toxins, and the bacterial volatiles completely stopped fungal growth on coffee beans, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides.

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Transcriptome analysis of Ochratoxin A (OTA) producing Aspergillus westerdijkiae fc-1 under varying osmotic pressure

Researchers studied how salt levels affect the production of Ochratoxin A (OTA), a harmful toxin made by a fungus commonly found in foods like coffee and dried meats. Using genetic analysis techniques, they found that different salt concentrations trigger different genes in the fungus, affecting how much toxin it produces. This research helps explain why OTA contamination is worse in high-salt foods and could lead to better ways to prevent food poisoning from this fungus.

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Newly Discovered Fungal Species from Black Pepper Marketed in Brazil: Penicillium pipericola sp. nov. and Syncephalastrum brasiliense sp. nov.

Researchers in Brazil discovered two new fungal species found on commercially sold black pepper. While one species can produce a toxic compound that concerns food safety experts, both species also produce molecules with potential medical benefits, including compounds that may help fight cancer and neurological diseases. This discovery highlights the importance of monitoring fungi in food products while also revealing unexpected pharmaceutical potential hidden in everyday spices.

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