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Artificial vs natural Stachybotrys infestation-Comparison of mycotoxin production on various building materials
Annika Jagels1, Felix Stephan1, Simon Ernst2
1Institute of Food Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany.
Abstract:
The genus Stachybotrys belongs to filamentous fungi found in indoor environment, mostly on cellulose-rich substrates after water-damage. The major purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different building materials in case of mold infestation on the mycotoxin production of Stachybotrys species. Fifteen Stachybotrys mycotoxins including satratoxins, phenylspirodrimanes, and recently discovered stachybotrychromenes were in the focus of the investigations. Artificial and natural infestations were compared to determine whether environmental factors, for example, time of growth, temperature, humidity, and material additives have an influence on the observed mycotoxin profiles. It turned out that mycotoxin profiles from Stachybotrys spp. on building materials can be influenced by cellulose, paints, and paste of the materials. The total toxin levels of artificially and naturally contaminated gypsum board samples ranged up to 30 µg/cm2 , whereas wallpaper samples showed total toxin levels in the range of 20-66 µg/cm2 . A naturally infested sample disclosed the conversion of the dialdehyde components to the corresponding lactone isomers under the influence of light.
Insights
Building materials significantly impact mold mycotoxin production. Stachybotrys species on materials like gypsum and wallpaper produce varying toxin levels, influenced by cellulose and additives.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Mycology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Stachybotrys is a filamentous fungus commonly found indoors on water-damaged, cellulose-rich materials.
- Mold contamination in buildings poses health risks due to mycotoxin production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different building materials affect mycotoxin production by Stachybotrys species.
- To compare artificial and natural infestations to identify influencing environmental factors on mycotoxin profiles.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fifteen Stachybotrys mycotoxins, including satratoxins, phenylspirodrimanes, and stachybotrychromenes.
- Comparison of mycotoxin profiles from artificial and natural Stachybotrys infestations on various building materials.
- Assessment of environmental factors like time, temperature, humidity, and material additives.
Main Results:
- Mycotoxin profiles of Stachybotrys spp. are influenced by material components such as cellulose, paints, and pastes.
- Total toxin levels on gypsum board samples reached up to 30 µg/cm², while wallpaper samples showed levels between 20-66 µg/cm².
- Light exposure induced the conversion of dialdehyde components to lactone isomers in naturally infested samples.
Conclusions:
- Building material composition and environmental factors play a crucial role in Stachybotrys mycotoxin production.
- Different materials support varying levels of mycotoxin accumulation, with wallpaper showing higher concentrations.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for assessing indoor mold risks and developing mitigation strategies.
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