Biocontrol of Aspergillus Flavus and Aflatoxin B1 Production in Corn

The potent mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 is a secondary metabolite of Aspergillus fungi that grow, on a variety of food and feed commodities at any stage during growth, harvest, storage and transportation. The occurrence of aflatoxin contamination is global, with severe problems especially prevalent in developing countries. In present study, corn samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 in the concentration of 240 μg/kg. Four trials were inoculated by Lactobacillus plantarum (PTCC 1058). Three control assays were analysed in the same conditions. All the assays were kneaded and incubated for 4-7 days at 37°C. Aflatoxin B1 was determined after extraction by HPLC. Results showed a drastic removal of the mycotoxin with a reduction of 77 % for Aflatoxin B1 by Lactobacillus plantarum. In the Inoculated corns, spore germination of A. flavus was totally inhibited. Results in inoculated spikes showed a high percentage of reduction of aflatoxin after incubation by Lb. plantarum. Gram staining of a sample from inoculated corns and microscopic observation demonstrated that the growth of A. flavus spores was totally inhibited by Lb. plantarum. Fungal spores were surrounded by Lactobacillus plantarum and spores were degraded.