Antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic effect of probiotics against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus

Abstract

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic mycotoxin, produced by Aspergillus species. These molds infect food crops in warm humid conditions causing economic losses and affecting the consumers' health adversely. In this study, antifungal activity and aflatoxin inhibiting ability of four probiotic strains against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus were studied. The aflatoxin secreted was analyzed and quantified by both UV spectrophotometer and HPLC. It was found that Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis showed maximal antifungal (67.43% reduction) and anti-aflatoxigenic (94.33% reduction) activity against A. flavus whereas A. parasiticus was inhibited by Lactobacillus brevis with the antifungal reduction of 69.38% and anti-aflatoxigenic reduction of 96.12%.

• Lactobacillus
• Aspergillus
• HPLC
• aflatoxin
• TLC
• UV spectrophotometer

Acknowledgements

The authors greatly express their thanks to Prof. C. Muthamizchelvan, Director (Engineering and Technology) and Dr. M. Vairamani, Dean School of Bioengineering, SRM University for providing facilities and their cordial support.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.