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Enhanced Aflatoxin Production by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus after Gamma Irradiation of the Spore

A F Schindler1, A N Abadie1, R E Simpson1

  • 1Division of Microbiology, Bureau of Foods, Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC. 20204 and Division of Training and Medical Applications, Bureau of Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland 20857.

Journal of Food Protection
|March 3, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Gamma irradiation of Aspergillus spores can significantly increase aflatoxin production, particularly at lower doses. However, high doses inhibit spore germination and aflatoxin synthesis, highlighting a critical factor in food irradiation and mycotoxin research.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Food Science
  • Radiation Biology

Background:

  • Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are significant producers of aflatoxins, potent mycotoxins that contaminate food supplies.
  • Gamma irradiation is used in food preservation, but its effect on fungal mycotoxin production requires careful consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of cobalt-60 gamma irradiation on aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus spores.
  • To determine the relationship between radiation dose and aflatoxin yield in these fungal species.

Main Methods:

  • Spores of A. flavus and A. parasiticus were suspended in a 0.1% surfactant solution and exposed to varying doses of gamma radiation.
  • Irradiated spores were inoculated onto sterile rice substrate and incubated to monitor aflatoxin production (B1, B2, G1, M).
  • Germination, growth, and mycotoxin levels in colonies from irradiated spores were quantified and compared to controls.

Main Results:

  • Aflatoxin B1 and M production by A. flavus increased with increasing radiation dose, exceeding controls by over 50 times at the highest dose.
  • Aflatoxin G1, B1, and M production by A. parasiticus increased at low to medium doses but was undetectable at the highest dose (430 Krads) due to inhibited germination.
  • Selected colonies from irradiated spores showed significantly elevated aflatoxin production compared to non-irradiated controls (e.g., 138-fold increase for aflatoxin M).

Conclusions:

  • Gamma irradiation can paradoxically enhance aflatoxin production by certain Aspergillus strains at specific doses.
  • High-dose irradiation can inhibit fungal growth and mycotoxin synthesis, indicating a dose-dependent effect.
  • The findings have implications for food safety protocols involving irradiation and for strategies aimed at increasing aflatoxin yields for research purposes.

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