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In this study, the effects of the mannoprotein isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScMnn) were evaluated against Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin (AF) production in pistachios. The mannoprotein extracted from the cell wall of S. cerevisiae was incorporated in gelatin‐based solution at different concentration (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% w/w) then used as coating of kernels. A. flavus spore suspension (104 spores/mL) was inoculated on both coated (cp) and non‐coated (ncp) pistachios. In cp samples, the mycelium development was delayed and AF content decreased, compared with the ncp ones. Noteworthy, the coating containing 1.5% ScMnn decreased AFB1 up to 42.81%. The ScMnn could be considered as an operative agent to reduce A. flavus growth and AF contamination in pistachios. The edible and food grade properties are important in its application as novel additive and as bioactive agent in coatings for the control of AF in pistachios. Practical applications Active edible coating containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannoprotein could be applied in pistachio industry to control Aspergillus flavus growth and reduce aflatoxin contamination. This antifungal coating could improve the safety of pistachio nuts.

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Pullulan is an important polysaccharide with several potential applications in food science, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, but high costs of pullulan production are the main limitation for commercial utilization. Therefore, a cost-effective process for pullulan production was developed using fig syrup as an exclusive nutrient source. In particular, the feasibility of using low quality fig syrup as a supplemental substrate for pullulan gum production by Aureobasidium pullulans was investigated. Fermentation was carried out over a range of fig syrup and sucrose degrees Brix (5-15%). Maximum pullulan gum production was observed after 96h using 12.5% fig syrup, yielding approximately14.06 g/L. This value of pullulan production (14.06 g/L) was higher than the amount of pullulan produced using sucrose as substrate (5.01 g/L). In conclusion, fig syrup was an effective substrate for pullulan production by Aureobasidium pullulans, and, therefore, this byproduct deserves attention for the cost-effective and environmentally friendly pullulan production.