A Descriptive Model of Mold Growth and Aflatoxin Formation as Affected by Environmental Conditions
1Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-5701.
Journal of Food Protection
|May 16, 2019
Summary
This study presents a predictive model for mold growth and aflatoxin production, integrating environmental factors like temperature and water activity. The model offers insights into toxigenesis dynamics and temperature-dependent behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Food microbiology
- Mycotoxicology
- Predictive modeling
Background:
- Mold growth and aflatoxin formation are influenced by environmental factors.
- Understanding these influences is crucial for food safety and quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a comprehensive model integrating environmental factors affecting mold growth and aflatoxin production.
- To mathematically describe the rates of growth and toxin formation and degradation.
Main Methods:
- Integrated literature data on temperature, water activity, pH, and colony size.
- Used Arrhenius-like, linear, parabolic, and Monod models for environmental factor effects.
- Estimated parameters by comparing model simulations to published studies.
Main Results:
- The model demonstrates interactive effects of temperature and water activity on growth and toxigenesis.
- It explains temporal shifts in optimal temperature for toxigenesis.
- Model predictions showed fair consistency with some published data, particularly regarding temperature effects.
Conclusions:
- The developed model provides a theoretical framework for understanding mold growth and aflatoxin formation dynamics.
- It accurately predicts certain toxigenic behaviors related to temperature and temperature cycling.
- Further refinement may be needed for factors like spore load.
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