Biocontrol of Aflatoxins Using Non-Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus: A Literature Review

Abstract

Aflatoxins (AFs) are mycotoxins, predominantly produced by Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, A. nomius, and A. pseudotamarii. AFs are carcinogenic compounds causing liver cancer in humans and animals. Physical and biological factors significantly affect AF production during the pre-and post-harvest time. Several methodologies have been developed to control AF contamination, yet; they are usually expensive and unfriendly to the environment. Consequently, interest in using biocontrol agents has increased, as they are convenient, advanced, and friendly to the environment. Using non-aflatoxigenic strains of A. flavus (AF−) as biocontrol agents is the most promising method to control AFs’ contamination in cereal crops. AF− strains cannot produce AFs due to the absence of polyketide synthase genes or genetic mutation. AF− strains competitively exclude the AF+ strains in the field, giving an extra advantage to the stored grains. Several microbiological, molecular, and field-based approaches have been used to select a suitable biocontrol agent. The effectiveness of biocontrol agents in controlling AF contamination could reach up to 99.3%. Optimal inoculum rate and a perfect time of application are critical factors influencing the efficacy of biocontrol agents.

Chromatographic Analysis of Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Isolated from Malaysian Sweet Corn

“…A. flavus is the leading food contaminant since it can produce AFs and persists as a pathogen in both pre-and post-harvest food supply [26]. The growth of A. flavus and AF production are linked to various environmental factors, including water activity, temperature, pH, and content of CO 2 [1,29,30]. In Malaysia, the environmental conditions are characterized by high temperature, high humidity, and inadequate storage practices that contribute to the potential for a substantial exposure of the Malaysian people to AFs.…”

Naturally occurring phenolic compounds as promising antimycotoxin agents: Where are we now?

“…Moreover, nontoxigenic strains of A. flavus were used for the biocontrol of AFs in cereal crops. However, their safety, their ability to produce other mycotoxins, and their impact on the environment are still unclear (Kagot et al., 2019; Khan et al., 2021).…”

Distribution, Genetic Diversity and Biocontrol of Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus in Serbian Maize Fields

“…Aflatoxin class considers four major types, including B1, B2, G1, and G2, and from the food safety point of view, the most relevant is aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) [11]. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) AFB1 is characterized as a carcinogen (Group 1a) [11,12].…”

“…The aflatoxigenic potential of A. flavus varies from atoxigenic to highly toxigenic strains [12]. The incidence of a toxigenic A. flavus species has been shown to be associated with geographic origin and substrate characteristics [13].…”