Fish feed mycobiota and aflatoxins in round fish tissues

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Round fish is one of the most consumed fish in Brazil. Farmed fish feed is based mainly on grains, which are susceptible to contamination by mold and mycotoxins. Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp. are the major mycotoxins producers. The presence of potentially toxigenic fungi in the diet is a concern due to the possibility of cumulative toxins in fish tissues, becoming a risk to food safety. This study aims to assess the mycobiota of fish feed and the occurrence of aflatoxin residues in round fish tissues. Feed and fish samples were collected from fish farming and fish pay properties. Feed was submitted to mold counting and mold identification. The round fish liver and muscle were submitted to the detection and quantification of aflatoxins B 1 , B 2 , G 1 and G 2 by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: In evaluated feed, mold counts in the samples ranged from 2.0 to 4.7 log colony forming units g −1 and the major genera found were Penicillium (61.5%) and Aspergillus (34.6). Aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) was detected in 70% liver samples and 43.3% muscle samples, at levels up to 5.70 and 1.13 ∼g kg −1 , respectively. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that, although the levels were lower than those recommended by Brazilian legislation, round fish are being exposed to diets naturally contaminated by aflatoxins and are susceptible to toxins accumulation in tissues. Therefore, regulations regarding feed should consider limits for mold and aflatoxin contamination in fish edible tissues should be monitored in order to ensure consumers' safety.

Application of Cystoseira myrica phycosynthesized selenium nanoparticles incorporated with nano‐chitosan to control aflatoxigenic fungi in fish feed

“…In addition to their antifungal potentiality, the used NCs are assumed to have promising effects on aflatoxin detoxification and prevention of its secretion. The use of the biosynthesized nanoformulations is suggested as an effectual strategy for aflatoxin detoxification via disturbing fungal genes/regulatory proteins that are involved in aflatoxin production 1,2,28,38 …”

“…The use of the biosynthesized nanoformulations is suggested as an effectual strategy for aflatoxin detoxification via disturbing fungal genes/regulatory proteins that are involved in aflatoxin production. 1,2,28,38 Microscopic observation of nanomaterial antifungal action The alterations/distortions in A. flavus mycelial structure and morphology, after exposure to MFC of NCt/CE/SeNPs, were microscopically screened (Fig. 4).…”

“…Aflatoxigenic fungi represent significant challenges in the field of aquaculture; these fungi contaminate fish feed, leading to aflatoxin-induced health problems in various fish species, which can affect both the productivity and profitability of aquaculture operations. 1 The transmission of aflatoxins from farmed fish to human is a concern, which can pose dangerous threats to health. 2 Traditional antifungal agents, while effective, come with their own set of issues, including the potential for environmental harm and the emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains.…”

“…As a result, there has been a push towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. 1,2 Cystoseira myrica (family: Sargassaceae) is a brown macroalga that has demonstrated significant potentials in the bioremediation, therapeutic applications and phycosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs). 3 In addition, C. myrica with its valuable secondary metabolites (e.g.…”

“…Traditional antifungal agents, while effective, come with their own set of issues, including the potential for environmental harm and the emergence of drug‐resistant fungal strains. As a result, there has been a push towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions 1,2 …”