Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
High-throughput Fluorometric Measurement of Potential Soil Extracellular Enzyme Activities
Published on: November 15, 2013
[Not Available]
Torsten Schulz1, Klaus Senkpiel, Helge Ohgke
1Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene der Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck.
Abstract:
Extracts of spores of eight different mould strains were examined regarding their toxic potential. So three cytotoxicity tests were utilized. On one hand there are the MB-assay and the MTT-assay. Both were applied with the human lung cell carcinoma line A549. On the other hand there is the pollen tube growth test, a plantbased method. At first the sensitivities of the cytotoxicity tests against certain chosen mycotoxins were evaluated. This was followed by the toxicological examination of the extracts. Finally HPLC analysis was used for the determination in which degree mycotoxins are responsible for the cytotoxic effects of the spores.It was shown that each extract of the spores had inhibitory influence on the test approaches. But only in one of the extracts the content of mycotoxin was proved.
Insights
Mould spore extracts showed inhibitory effects in cytotoxicity tests. However, only one extract contained detectable mycotoxins, indicating varied toxicity among mould strains.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Moulds produce various secondary metabolites, including mycotoxins, which can pose health risks.
- Cytotoxicity assays are crucial for evaluating the toxic potential of biological substances.
- Assessing mould spore toxicity is important for public health and safety.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the toxic potential of mould spore extracts using multiple cytotoxicity assays.
- To compare the sensitivity of different assays (MB-assay, MTT-assay, pollen tube growth test) to mycotoxins.
- To determine the extent to which mycotoxins contribute to the observed cytotoxic effects.
Summary:
- Eight mould spore extracts were tested for toxicity using human lung cell carcinoma (A549) with the MB-assay and MTT-assay, and a plant-based pollen tube growth test.
- The sensitivity of these assays to known mycotoxins was established prior to testing the extracts.
- All extracts exhibited inhibitory effects, but only one extract was confirmed to contain mycotoxins via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Impact:
- Highlights the need for sensitive and specific methods to detect mould-induced toxicity.
- Suggests that non-mycotoxin compounds in mould spores may also contribute to cytotoxicity.
- Informs risk assessment strategies for mould exposure in indoor environments and food safety.
