The Control of Aflatoxin Contamination at Harvest, Drying, Pre‐ Storage and Storage Periods in Peanut: The New Approach

Aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are contaminants of peanut (Arachis hypogea L.). Aflatoxin contamination is a serious concern given their hepatotoxic properties and their widespread occurrence during cultivation, harvest, drying and storage. Management of aflatoxin contamination of peanut is very important using cultural practice such as habitat management, soil amendments and pre‐ and post‐harvest managements, using physical control methods, biological control methods and chemical control methods at harvest, drying, pre‐storage and storage periods. Some procedures such as upkeep of low temperature and relative humidity (RH) in storage, keeping away the pod‐ and seed‐feeding insects, doing the harvest and post‐harvest procedure control, fast post‐harvest drying, optimal timing of digging and harvest, providing optimum water to the crop through irrigation, avoiding mechanical damage during cultivation and optimal timing of digging and harvest might prevent the contamination of aflatoxin. In this review, various strategies for control of aflatoxin in peanuts in all periods are discussed

First Report of Mycotoxins in Second Peanuts Crop in Adana and Osmaniye at Harvest, Drying, Prestorage and Storage Periods

Aflatoxin (AF) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) contaminations are very important problems for peanuts and its products. The aim of the study was to detect aflatoxin (types B and G) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) occurrence and critical periods of toxin production in peanuts collected from different research areas of Osmaniye and Adana, Turkey, in 2015. Peanut kernels toxin analysis was performed in four different periods during the harvest, drying, prestorage, and storage. Total aflatoxin occurrence in peanut kernels was analyzed by immunoaffinity chromatography‐reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (IAC‐HPLC) analysis and cyclopiazonic acid occurrence in peanut kernels was analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Aflatoxin levels in 76 out of 102 contaminated samples were from 0.3 to 1333.42 μg/kg. Cyclopiazonic acid levels in 18 out of 102 peanut samples were from 16.6 to 44.44 μg/kg. An unusual pattern of mycotoxin production (aflatoxin types B and G simultaneously with CPA) was seen in 11 of 102 peanuts samples. Six of nine samples were from the storage period. Aflatoxin contamination during harvesting (64%) and drying (75%) were higher than prestorage (53%). Aflatoxin (93%) and cyclopiazonic acid (30%) were the most produced during storage. The results showed that storage period was significantly important for the presence of two mycotoxins according to the statistical analysis

Factors affecting the removal of aflatoxin M-1 from food model by Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains

WOS: 000259366400011PubMed ID: 18803117This paper describes the ability of six dairy strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to remove aflatoxin M-1 (AFM(1)) from phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and reconstituted milk. Bacteria were incubated in both PBS and reconstituted milk containing 5, 10 and 20 ng mL(-1) for 0, 4 and 24 h at 37 degrees C. After centrifugation the concentration of AFM(1) was determined in the supernatant fraction using high-performance liquid chromatography. The binding abilities of AFM(1) by viable (10(8) CFU mL(-1)) and heat-killed Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains in PBS ranged from 10.22 to 26.65% and 14.04 to 28.97%, respectively. Similarly, AFM(1)-binding capacity in reconstituted milk was found to range from 7.85 to 25.94% and from 12.85 to 27.31% for viable and heat-killed bacteria, respectively within 4 h. While B. bifidum Bb 13 was the best binder, the poorest removal was achieved by L. acidophilus NCC 68. Binding was reversible, and a small proportion of AFM(1) was released back into the solution. The toxin concentration and incubation period had no effect on the removal of AFM(1) by bacteria both in PBS and reconstituted milk.Cukurova University Research CouncilCukurova University [ZF2004D13]This study was supported by the Cukurova University Research Council (project no: ZF2004D13). We greatly thank Prof. Hans P. van Egmond from National Institute for Public Health and the Environment for supplying the AFM1 standard. We also thank A. Bozdogan for performing statistical analysis

How Does Arternarra alternata-Derived Alternanol Affect Our Health?

WOS: 000396517700004Mycotoxins are chemical compounds produced by pathogenic molds that are toxic and cause diseases such as cancer and immune suppression. Alternariol (AOH), is well reported a type of mycotoxin, which is produced by Alternaria species. It is widely distributed in cereal based foods and fruits. Environmental conditions related to storage of food and cereals are main factors that are responsible for the presence of mycotoxins. Besides temperate zones, mycotoxins are frequently found in hot and humid areas that are more favourable for the growth of mold species. Generally, mycotoxins are directly ingested in the body but sometimes spore inhalation or skin contact can also be a route. Mycotoxicoses are disorders which are caused by the exposure to mycotoxins. It is difficult to control intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as strain variation, fungal strain specificity, instability of toxigenic properties. As mycotoxins have ability to induce DNA damage, modulate antioxidant capacity and mitigate macrophage phenotype and inflammatory responses, therefore, they pose acute effects on humans. Although efforts have been carried out internationally to control mycotoxins, practical measures are yet to be executed. Taken together, this communication highlights and showcases the toxicological impacts of Alternariol secreted by Alternaria alternata on the human health

Survey of aflatoxin B-1 in helva, a traditional Turkish food, by TLC

WOS: 000240869200011A total of 102 helva samples consisting of 34 plain helva, 34 helva containing cacao, and 34 helva containing pistachio nuts purchased from helva-factories and supermarkets in Adana of Turkey were analysed for aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)) by thin-layer chromatography. The detection limit of AFB(1) was 1 mu g kg(-1). Recovery experiments were carried out with spiked samples in the range 2-10 mu g kg(-1) of AFB(1). No AFB(1) was found in any plain helva and helva containing cacao samples. On the other hand, of 34 helva containing pistachio nuts AFB(1) was determined in eight samples. AFB(1) was found in excess of Turkish legal limit of 5 mu g kg(-1) in 4 of 102 helva samples. This paper reports the data of the first survey for the presence of AFB(1) in helva in Turkey. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

The role of nanoparticles in the inhibition of multidrug-resistant bacteria and biofilms

Until recently, one of the main reasons for mortality has been infectious diseases, and bacteria that are drug-resistant have emerged as a result of the wide application, as well as the misuse of antibacterial medications. Having multidrug-resistance, bacteria present a great problem for the efficient management of bacterial infections and this challenge has resulted in the creation of other means of dealing with bacterial diseases. Of late, metallic nanoparticles (NPs), employed as antibacterial agents, have the potential for use against resistance to bacterial drugs

Antimicrobial peptides as an alternative to anti-tuberculosis drugs

Tuberculosis (TB) presently accounts for high global mortality and morbidity rates, despite the introduction four decades ago of the affordable and efficient four-drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol). Thus, a strong need exists for new drugs with special structures and uncommon modes of action to effectively overcome M. tuberculosis. Within this scope, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are small, cationic and amphipathic peptides that comprise a section of the innate immune system, are currently the leading potential agents for the treatment of TB. Many studies have recently illustrated the capability of anti-mycobacterial peptides to disrupt the normal mycobacterial cell wall function through various modes, thereby interacting with the intracellular targets, as well as encompassing nucleic acids, enzymes and organelles. This review presents a wide array of antimicrobial activities, alongside the associated properties of the AMPs that could be utilized as potential agents in therapeutic tactics for TB treatment

Evaluation of Polyphenolic Profile and Antibacterial Activity of Pome-granate Juice in Combination with Rifampin (R) against MDR-TB Clinical Isolates

WOS: 000469235200006PubMed ID: 30854955Background: The global rise of multi-drug resistant M. tuberculosis demands unconventional treatment to enhance the efficiency of current drugs. Punica granatum, which is known as pomegranate, is considered as a member of the Punicaceae family. Pomegranate, which is broadly documented for its activity against a wide spectrum of bacterial pathogens, deserves further scrutiny in this respect. Methods: Within this scope, this study investigated the effect of fresh pomegranate juice (FPJ) on the antibacterial activity of anti-tuberculosis drugs (Rifampin (R) and Isoniazid (INH)) against MDR-TB clinical isolates. The drug resistance profiles in M. tuberculosis clinical isolates were determined by susceptibility test using BACTEC MGIT 960 system. Four concentrations of fresh pomegranate juice (FPJ) (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) were evaluated in combination with R and INH at a dose range of (1.0 mu g/ml) and (0.1 mu g/ml), respectively against the MDR-TB isolates by the BACTEC MGIT 960 system. Moreover, this study scrutinized individual phenolic compounds of FPJ by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The total polyphenols (TP), total flavonoid (TF), total anthocyanins content (TAC), and the antioxidant capacity were also assessed in FPJ. Results: Synergistic effects were observed between R and INH with FPJ against all tested strains. However, combination therapy of rifampin was more effective than isoniazid one. Therefore, the combination of R and FPJ has been used against (27) MDR-TB clinical isolates. 5% of FPJ plus R (1.0 mu g/ml) were found to suppress the growth of one isolates for first group (INH and R resistant). However, 5% of FPJ demonstrated no synergistic impact with R for second (SM, R and INH resistant) and third group (INH, EMB, R and SM resistant). Moreover, 10% of FPJ and R (1.0 mu g/ml) inhibited the bacterial growth of three isolates of first group and two isolates and one isolate for second and third group, respectively. Remarkably, 15% of FPJ plus R (1.0 mu g/ml) appeared to inhibit the growth of MDR-TB isolates for all tested groups indicating a strong synergistic effect. Regarding H37RV, the complete inhibition of the bacterial growth was found to occur at 15% and 20% concentrations of FPJ only. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of FPJ ranged from (4% to 13%) for first group and from (10% to 15%) for second and third group. Thus, FPJ at 15% inhibited 100% of bacteria for all tested isolates (MIC 100% = 15%). Phenolic compounds identified in FPJ were gallic acid, benzoic acid, syringic, folic acid, pelargonidin, naringin+ellagic acid, naringenin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, myricetin, kaempferol, quercetin, cyanidin-3-glycoside, p-cummaric acid, ferulic acid, and rutin. Total phenolic (TP), total flavonoid (TF), and total anthocyanin (TA) content were 841.5 mg/L, 638.73 mg RE/L, and 47.43 mg/L, accordingly. Conclusion: Overall, FPJ displayed synergistic effect with R against MDR-TB clinical isolates due to its high content of polyphenol and antioxidant capability

Effects of probiotic bacteria on the bioaccessibility of aflatoxin B-1 and ochratoxin A using an in vitro digestion model under fed conditions

WOS: 000273001000009PubMed ID: 20183052In the present study, we aimed at determining the release of aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)) and ochratoxin A (OTA) from different food products in the gastro-intestinal tract in the absence and presence of probiotics, a possible adsorbent. The average bioaccessibility of AFB(1) and OTA without probiotics was about 90%, and 30%, respectively, depending on several factors, such as food product, contamination level, compound and type of contamination (spiked versus naturally contaminated). The six probiotic bacteria showed varying binding capacity to AFB(1) and OTA depending on the bacterial strain, toxin studied, type of food and contamination level. A reduction to a maximum of 37% and 73% as observed for the bioaccessibility of AFB(1) and OTA in the presence of probiotic bacteria, respectively. This is the first report on the effect of probiotic bacteria on reducing the fraction of mycotoxins available for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract from different food products.Centre for Substances and Integrated Risk Assessment; National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, The NetherlandsNetherlands GovernmentThis study was supported financially by the Centre for Substances and Integrated Risk Assessment, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, The Netherlands. We greatly thank Menno Duits for his technical assistance in the use of in vitro digestion model and Erwin van de Kamp for helping with the AFB1 and OTA experiments, both from the Laboratory for Food and Residue Analysis. Dr. Janine Ezendam from the Laboratory for Toxicology, Pathology and Genetics is kindly acknowledged for providing L. casei Shirota strain and culturing of the probiotics. Many thanks to Prof. Arthur Ouwehand (Danisco Ltd) and Nestle-Switzerland for supplying the bacterial strains. We also thank Martien Spanjer and others of the Food and Safety Authority for providing the aflatoxin and ochratoxin contaminated food products