Antagonistic effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus at varying temperatures

Abstract

A pour-plate dilution method was employed to assess the antagonistic effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the growth of both Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus at 22°C, 25°C, and 32°C. Dilutions of S. cerevisiae were pour plated, and upon solidification, the plates were inoculated with a lawn of either A. flavus or A. parasiticus. Results of this experiment suggest that higher concentrations of S. cerevisiae are effective in inhibiting the growth of both Aspergillus species investigated at all temperatures, but its effects are most pronounced at 22°C. Broader implications of this study include the possibility that S. cerevisiae may be used as a biocontrol agent to protect agricultural products commonly consumed by humans from the toxigenic metabolites produced by A. flavus and A. parasiticus.