Study of the Ochratoxin A effect on Aspergillus parasiticus growth and aflatoxin B1 production
V Dimitrokallis1, D M Meimaroglou, P Markaki
1Department of Food Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, GR, 157 84 Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a carcinogenic metabolite produced by certain Aspergillus species. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a metabolite of Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium verrucosum. AFB1 and OTA are amongst the most frequent combinations of mycotoxins found in plant products. Thus, synergistic effects or interactions between the two mycotoxins could be taking place. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of OTA on Aspergillus parasiticus growth and AFB1 production in yeast extract sucrose (YES) medium at concentrations of 0.16, 1.6 and 16 ng OTA flask(-1). The AFB1 extracted from cultures and purified with immunoaffinity columns was then quantitated by HPLC. The recovery and detection limit of the method were 95.3% and 0.02 ng AFB1 mL(-1), respectively. Maximum AFB1 productions in cultures with OTA were observed from 9 to 12 days (76.09-82.52 ng AFB1 flask(-1)) while in control cultures (without OTA) maximum production (197.2 ng AFB1 flask(-1)) was observed on 14th day. Maximum AFB1 levels in cultures with OTA were reduced by a percentage of 58-61% compared to control cultures. Furthermore AFB1 levels in cultures with OTA were practically (92%) degraded after 18 days of incubation. Conclusively when OTA is present the production of AFB1 by A. parasiticus in YES medium is inhibited.
Insights
Ochratoxin A (OTA) significantly inhibits Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production by Aspergillus parasiticus in YES medium. AFB1 levels were reduced by up to 61% and degraded by 92% in the presence of OTA.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Mycology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Ochratoxin A (OTA) are common mycotoxins in food products.
- Interactions between AFB1 and OTA may impact food safety.
- Aspergillus parasiticus produces AFB1, a known carcinogen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of OTA on Aspergillus parasiticus growth.
- To quantify AFB1 production in the presence of varying OTA concentrations.
- To assess potential synergistic or inhibitory interactions between OTA and AFB1 production.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Aspergillus parasiticus in yeast extract sucrose (YES) medium with different OTA concentrations (0.16, 1.6, 16 ng/flask).
- Quantifying AFB1 using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) after purification with immunoaffinity columns.
- Monitoring AFB1 production and degradation over 18 days of incubation.
Main Results:
- OTA significantly reduced AFB1 production by 58-61% compared to control cultures.
- Maximum AFB1 production occurred earlier (9-12 days) in OTA-treated cultures versus control (14 days).
- AFB1 levels were substantially degraded (92%) by day 18 in the presence of OTA.
Conclusions:
- Ochratoxin A inhibits the growth and AFB1 production of Aspergillus parasiticus in YES medium.
- The presence of OTA leads to a significant reduction and degradation of AFB1.
- These findings suggest an antagonistic interaction, with OTA reducing AFB1 contamination risk.
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