Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays
10:01

Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays

Published on: April 23, 2012

Degradation of ochratoxin A and other mycotoxins by Rhizopus isolates

János Varga1, Zsanett Péteri, Katalin Tábori

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Szeged, P.O. Box 533, H-6701 Szeged, Hungary. jvarga@bio.u-szeged.hu

International Journal of Food Microbiology
|April 6, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Certain Rhizopus fungi effectively degrade ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone, and patulin, offering potential for mycotoxin decontamination in food products. Further research aims to identify and transfer the responsible genes for broader application.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Food Science
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Mycotoxins like ochratoxin A (OTA) pose significant risks to food safety and human health.
  • Filamentous fungi are known for their metabolic diversity and potential in biotransformation processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of fungal isolates from the genera Rhizopus and Mucor in degrading specific mycotoxins.
  • To evaluate the detoxification kinetics of ochratoxin A by promising fungal strains.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of filamentous fungi (Rhizopus and Mucor spp.) for mycotoxin degradation in liquid culture.
  • Quantitative analysis of mycotoxin reduction (OTA, aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, patulin).
  • Kinetic studies on ochratoxin A detoxification by selected Rhizopus isolates.

Main Results:

  • None of the tested fungal isolates degraded aflatoxin B1.
  • Several isolates demonstrated degradation of ochratoxin A, zearalenone, and patulin.
  • Rhizopus isolates, including R. stolonifer and R. oryzae, degraded over 95% of ochratoxin A within 16 days.
  • R. stolonifer effectively decomposed ochratoxin A on moistened wheat.

Conclusions:

  • Specific Rhizopus species possess significant potential for degrading ochratoxin A and other mycotoxins.
  • The detoxification process is efficient, with high degradation rates achieved within a short period.
  • Identifying the underlying enzymes and genes could lead to novel biocontrol strategies for mycotoxin contamination in cereals.

More Related Videos

Isolation and Screening from Soil Biodiversity for Fungi Involved in the Degradation of Recalcitrant Materials08:21

Isolation and Screening from Soil Biodiversity for Fungi Involved in the Degradation of Recalcitrant Materials

Published on: May 16, 2022

Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production in Transgenic Maize Expressing the α-amylase Inhibitor from Lablab purpureus L.09:21

Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production in Transgenic Maize Expressing the α-amylase Inhibitor from Lablab purpureus L.

Published on: February 15, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
Production of Organic Acids01:25

Production of Organic Acids

Lactic acid, an important organic acid extensively applied in food, pharmaceutical, and biodegradable polymer industries, is primarily produced via microbial fermentation. This method is favored over chemical synthesis due to its environmental sustainability and capacity for enantiomerically pure product formation. Among various microbial processes, the fermentation of starch-based substrates stands out due to the abundance and renewability of raw materials like corn and potatoes.Hydrolysis of...
Biodeterioration01:28

Biodeterioration

Biodeterioration refers to the unwanted alteration of materials caused by microorganisms—especially fungi—which damage both organic substrates (paper, wood, textiles) and inorganic ones (stone, plaster, glass). Unlike abiotic decay, biodeterioration results from biological activity that produces physical disruption and chemical degradation.Physical deterioration occurs as fungal hyphae penetrate pores, cracks, and surface irregularities. Hyphal turgor pressure, thigmotropic growth along...
Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides01:28

Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides

Pesticides often feature structurally complex chemical architectures, incorporating halogen groups and multiple aromatic rings. These characteristics confer high chemical stability, rendering many pesticides resistant to natural degradation processes. This resistance poses significant environmental concerns, as persistent pesticide residues can accumulate in ecosystems and affect non-target organisms.Despite the inherent stability of many pesticides, certain microorganisms possess the metabolic...