Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 26, 2026

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

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Effect of Other Toxigenic Mold Species on Aflatoxin Production by Aspergillus flavus in Sterile Broth Shake Culture

Philip B Mislivec1, Mary W Trucksess1, Leonard Stoloff1

  • 1Divisions of Microbiology and Contaminants Chemistry, Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC 20204.

Journal of Food Protection
|April 14, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Three Penicillium species significantly reduce aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus. These fungi produce heat-stable metabolites that inhibit aflatoxin synthesis, offering potential biocontrol strategies against mycotoxin contamination.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Food Safety
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species, posing significant risks to food safety.
  • Understanding microbial interactions is crucial for developing strategies to control aflatoxin contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of co-culturing Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium cyclopium, and Penicillium urticae with Aspergillus flavus on aflatoxin production.

Main Methods:

  • Co-culturing of Aspergillus flavus with other fungal species in rotary shake cultures.
  • Analysis of aflatoxin production in mixed cultures.
  • Investigation of fungal metabolites and their effect on aflatoxin synthesis.

Main Results:

  • Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus versicolor showed no significant effect on aflatoxin production.
  • Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium cyclopium, and Penicillium urticae substantially reduced aflatoxin production.
  • Penicillium species produced heat-stable, non-filterable metabolites that inhibited aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus.

Conclusions:

  • Penicillium species possess inhibitory metabolites against aflatoxin production.
  • These findings suggest potential for using Penicillium species or their metabolites as biocontrol agents to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in food and feed.

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