Mold Inhibitor Research Articles

Anti‐mold properties of fermented apple juice in bread

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesBread may be spoiled by mold, which results in major economic losses. The aim of this study was to optimize the anti‐mold properties of apple juice fermented with Propionibacterium freudenreichii to get high levels of propionic acid with lesser amounts of acetic acid, which impairs bread taste.FindingsAfter fermentation for 7 days at 35°C, apple juice (half‐diluted to about 4% fermentable sugars; with 1% yeast extract; pH adjusted to 6.0) contained 1.0% propionic acid and little amounts of acetic acid (about 0.35%).ConclusionsIn bread, the anti‐mold activity of fermented apple juice (5%, fb) was similar to that of apple cider vinegar (2.44%, fb).Significance and NoveltyFermented apple juice is a novel mold inhibitor for bread that may replace apple cider vinegar and part of calcium propionate.

Organic acid preservation of cereal grains improves grain quality, growth performance, and intestinal health of post-weaned pigs

This study investigated the effect of preserving wheat and barley grains with an organic acid liquid surfactant mould inhibitor compared to conventional artificial drying and assessed its effects on the health and performance of pigs post-weaning (PW). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was conducted to investigate the interaction between grain preservation method (dried vs. preserved) and zinc oxide (ZnO) inclusion (yes vs. no) on growth performance, diarrhoea scores and incidence, and total tract nutrient digestibility. One hundred and ninety-two pigs (3 pigs/pen; 16 replicates/treatment) were assigned to one of four experimental diets for 35 days: (1) dried grain diet, (2) preserved grain diet, (3) dried grain diet with ZnO and (4) preserved grain diet with ZnO. Diets were formulated to contain similar levels of net energy and standardised ileal digestible lysine. On day 35 PW, 24 pigs (12 replicates/treatment) from the non-ZnO supplemented groups were euthanised and digesta was collected for coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID), gut microbial population and volatile fatty acid analysis. Stomach tissue was also collected for gene expression analysis, as well as small intestine samples for gut morphology. Notable improvements in grain quality were observed in the preserved grain, including a reduction in grain pH, mould presence, and contamination by mycotoxins, specifically deoxynivalenol in wheat and barley, and ochratoxin A and HT-2 toxin in barley. The preserved grain diet improved average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.01) and body weight (BW; P < 0.01) compared to the dried grain diet. The incorporation of ZnO increased average daily feed intake (ADFI; P < 0.01) and BW (P < 0.05) in the dried grain diet, however, ZnO did not affect ADFI (P > 0.05), and reduced ADG and BW in the preserved grain diet (P < 0.05). Pigs offered the preserved grain diet had reduced faecal scores and diarrhoea incidence compared to those offered the dried grain diet (P < 0.05). Supplementation of ZnO reduced faecal scores and diarrhoea incidence compared to non-supplemented pigs (P < 0.001). On day 35 PW, the preserved grain diet had improved CAID of nitrogen and gross energy (P < 0.05), lower levels of colonic branched-chain volatile fatty acids (P < 0.05), and beneficial shifts in gut microbial populations. Specifically, there was a reduction in ileal Streptococcus (P < 0.001) and an increased abundance of colonic Faecalibacterium (P < 0.05). In conclusion, organic acid preservation improved grain quality, benefiting post-weaned pigs through improved nutrient digestibility and gut health, thus enhancing overall growth performance PW.

Preparation of Anti Mold Cleaning Agent and its Effect on the Performance of Insulation Materials

A mold resistant cleaning agent with long-term cleaning function was prepared using hydroxyl silicone oil, mold inhibitors, and some additives as the main raw materials. The results show that the anti mold cleaning agent prepared by adding different proportions of anti mold agents not only ensures the cleaning and anti mold effects on the insulation material, but also has no significant impact on its mechanical properties, electrical properties, and surface hydrophobicity. Moreover, when the content of the anti mold cleaning agent is 2% to 3%, its comprehensive mechanical and electrical properties can maintain a good level. Through infrared analysis, it can be seen that during the mixing process of cleaning agent and anti mold agent, due to the consumption of some double bonds, the internal molecular structure of the cleaning agent has been changed, which not only has good cleaning effect but also excellent anti mold effect. When the amount of anti mold agent is 2%, the anti mold level of the insulation material is the best, reaching level 0, and the hydrophobicity can also reach HC1 after cleaning.

PSIV-20 The Effect of Silage Additives on Male Sterile Sorghum Fermentation Heat Production and Feed-Out Stability

Abstract The objective was to compare the effect of applying silage additives to male sterile sorghum hybrids on temperature production during ensiling time (30 d) and at feed-out period after 30 or 90 d of ensiling period. Two male-sterile sorghum hybrids; F430 and F465, with and without BMR12 trait, respectively (Richardson Seed Ltd.); were randomly allocated in plots blocked by irrigation section in a dairy farm in West Texas. During harvest, duplicate samples from each plot were obtained, placed on plastic trays, and transported to one of three stations to be treated with chemical silage preservative (SG, SiloGuard), heterofermentative bacteria inoculant with mold inhibitor solution (SM, Silage Maker 250) or distilled water (DW, control). Treatments were applied with spray bottles following a protocol that consisted of two sets of 5 sprays (1.1 mL each and 11 mL total) followed by mixing of the forage. Personnel applying the treatment were blind as to which treatment they were applying and all spray bottles, trays and tables from each station were color coded to prevent cross contamination. After treated, 3.63 kg of forage was packed in three consecutive steps using a manual press on 4.7L buckets (Uline) and a temperature data logger was placed in the center of each of the 30 d mini silos. The amount of material packed was estimated to achieve a 230 kg of DM/m3 compaction at 30% DM of the forage. At opening, the material from each silo was moved to a tray and mixed to be homogenized and exposed to oxygen. Then, the material was added back to its correspondent bucket until it filled up to the border without compressing. Heat production during the feed-out period and air-stability were assessed for both ensiling periods, whereas fermentation heat production during ensiling period was only assessed for 30 d silos. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed linear regression models (GLIMMIX procedure of SAS) with ensiling period, hybrid, treatment and the interaction of day and treatment included in the model as independent variables. Fourth root and natural log transformation were performed to obtain a normal distribution of residuals, back transformed LSM and 95% CI are reported in Table 1. Treatment effected the silage temperature during the feed-out period (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and air-stability test (P = 0.02). Whereas a tendency was observed for daily heat production during the ensiled period (P = 0.07). Male-sterile sorghum silage treated with SG had the least temperature during the ensiling period and longer air-stability than SM.

Assessment of the antifungal efficacy of whey fermentate alone or in combination with citrus extract to control Aspergillus flavus mold in semi-moist pet food for dogs.

Semi-moist pet foods contain moisture levels ranging from 15 to 40%, making them ideal for mold growth and mycotoxin production. To control spoilage, synthetic mold inhibitors such as potassium sorbate have been used, but consumers prefer "natural" preservatives. Whey fermentate (WPF) is an efficient antifungal, but it requires large doses. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the antifungal effect of WPF alone or in combination with citrus extract oil (CEX) against Aspergillus flavus in semi-moist pet food. Nutritionally complete semi-moist pet foods were produced with WPF alone [0.25, 0.5, and 1.0% (w/w)] and in combination with CEX; 0.25% WPF+ 0.015% CEX, 0.25% WFP+ 0.15% CEX, 0.5% WPF+ 0.015% CEX, and 0.5% WFP+ 0.15% CEX (w/w). The negative control (NC) contained no antifungal additive and the positive control (PC) had potassium sorbate (0.1% w/w). The semi-moist pet food was thermally formed and was cut into 3 cm × 3 cm square pieces. Individual food pieces were inoculated with 0.1 mL of Aspergillus flavus (ATCC 204304) to achieve a final concentration of ~5.0 log CFU/piece. The inoculated pieces were individually incubated at 25°C. Fungal analysis was performed on day 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 28 by surface plating on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) followed by incubation at 25°C for 72 h. The total log reductions were calculated by subtracting the initial inoculum from the final log counts on day 28. Higher log reductions of Aspergillus flavus (p < 0.05) were observed when WPF at 0.25 and 0.5% was combined with 0.15% CEX compared to when 0.015% CEX was used individually. All treatments were different from the NC (p < 0.05). Citrus extract at 0.15% potentiated the antifungal effect of WPF at 0.5% to give a similar log reduction (p > 0.05) to WPF at 1.0% in the food. In conclusion, CEX potentiated the antifungal efficacy and reduced the dose of WPF required to control Aspergillus flavus in semi-moist dog food.

Alquremold Natural (AMN) for Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Bacterial Growth Inhibition of Commercial Broilers

An experiment was conducted with 648-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks to evaluate the effects of Alquermold natural (AMN) on overall growth performance, carcass characteristics and inhibition of enteric bacterial growth of commercial broilers. The birds were randomly assigned to four different treatments: T0 (Control), T1 (0.5 g/kg AMN), T2 (1.0 g/kg AMN) and T3 (1.0 g/kg Mold Inhibitor (MI)), respectively. They were reared for up to 28 days. At the end of experiment, the birds’ growth performances in terms of body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival, and meat production characteristics were recorded and calculated. Weekly fecal sample collection and microbiological count were performed to determine the bacterial load, specifically Escherichia coli and anaerobic bacteria in the broiler feces. The results showed that birds receiving 1.0 g/kg AMN had significantly higher BW and BWG (p0.01) than the control, 0.5 g/kg AMN, and MI groups. The FI and FCR of broilers were comparable in all treatment groups. There were no significant (p &gt; 0.05) changes in meat yield parameters such as dressing percentage, neck, shank, drumstick, breast meat, thigh meat, and wing meat. However, when compared to the other dietary treatments, the bacterial load (E. coli and anaerobic bacteria) was significantly lower in the birds fed 1.0 g/kg AMN. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that feeding AMN at a rate of 1.0 g/kg may be considered for improving growth performance, maximizing feed utilization, and inhibiting bacterial load in the intestine of commercial broiler chickens.

Limiting Mold Growth in Dog Food Through Natural Compounds

Mold contaminated dog food has become a growing concern as many mold poisoning epidemics in the past have killed hundreds of dogs and left others severely sick. With current methods of reducing mold growth in dog food failing, it's important to explore new methods of limiting mold growth. Recognizing natural compounds like cumin, astragalus, ginger, and apple cider vinegar’s high antimicrobial properties, it's important to explore their effectiveness as mold inhibitors in dog food. Thus, this experiment explores the present question: Can natural compounds, added in safe amounts, effectively act as mold inhibitors and limit mold growth in dog food? To answer this question, an experiment was developed in which each natural compound (turmeric powder, astragalus root powder, ginger powder, cumin powder, and apple cider vinegar) was added into dog food along with mold samples. After a four week period, mold growth was measured and compared to a control batch which had no natural compound additives. Results indicate that ginger had a significant effect on limiting mold growth. Similarly, apple cider vinegar noticeably limited mold growth when compared to the control. It’s thus important to further explore these compounds' efficacies as mold inhibitors in dog food.

Starch and Aflatoxin B1 Content of Corn Grain with Different Water Content Added with Synthetic Mold Inhibitor

Penggunaan jagung sebagai pakan harus memenuhi standar kualitas kimia yang dipersyaratkan untuk menjamin keamanan pakan. Penggunaan penghambat jamur sintetis merupakan salah satu strategi untuk menghambat pertumbuhan jamur dan produksi metabolit sekunder yang dapat menurunkan kualitas kimia jagung. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kandungan amilum (pati) dan aflatoksin B1 (AFB1) jagung kuning pipilan yang terdiri dari tiga level kadar air dan disuplementasi produk anti jamur sintetis. Sejumlah 750 kg jagung kuning pipilan digunakan dalam penelitian ini. Penghambat jamur (PJ) komersial yang digunakan diperoleh dari PT Japfa Comfeed Tbk, Indonesia dengan dosis 450 g/ton jagung. Percobaan dua faktor (Level kadar air: 13, 14 dan 15%; penghambat jamur PJ: -, +) digunakan pada penelitian ini. Hasil uji ANOVA membuktikan bahwa kecuali kandungan pati, interaksi yang signifikan antara LKA dan PJ terhadap kandungan aflatoksin B1 jagung yang disimpan selama 60 hari. Jagung (LKA berbeda dan tanpa PJ) memiliki kandungan AFB1 lebih tinggi dari yang diberi PJ. Simpulannya, penggunaan penghambat jamur efektif menghambat pertumbuhan jamur sehingga produksi aflatoksin B1 dapat ditekan. Penggunaan PJ sintetis tidak mempengaruhi kandungan pati jagung biji selama 60 hari penyimpanan.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL QUALITIES OF CORN WITH DIFFERENT MOISTURE LEVELS SUPPLEMENTED WITH MOLD INHIBITOR

Corn grain is used as the main energy source in poultry diet formulation. The quality of corn is easy to deteriorate during storage because of insect, fungal, and mycotoxin contamination. Efforts should be made to maintain the quality of corn during storage. The present study aimed to evaluate the physical and chemical quality of different moisture levels of corn supplemented by a mold inhibitor. A total of 750 kg of corn grain was used in the present study. A commercial mold inhibitor was used with a dose of 0.075%. The experimental design used was a 3 x 2 factorial complete randomized design. The first main factor was the different moisture levels (ML) of corn (≤10%, 10.0-10.9%; 11.0-11.9%), while the second main factor was mold inhibitor (MI, - or +). Thus, there were six treatment combinations, and each treatment comprised five replications. The results showed that ML, MI, and ML x MI interaction significantly (P&lt;0.05 to 0.001) affected the percentage of grain damage and fungal grain but not (P&gt;0.05) the moisture level of corn during 90 days of storage. Except for crude protein content, the ML did not affect (P&gt;0.05) the proximate composition (PC) and gross energy (GE) content of corn. Except for dry matter (DM), the PC and GE content of corn were not affected (P&gt;0.05) by MI. ML x MI interaction did not affect (P&gt;0.05) the PC and GE content. The aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) content was similar (P&gt;0.05) among all treatments. Except for histidine and lysine contents, the amino acid contents of corn were not affected by ML, MI, or ML x MI combination. In conclusion, the supplementation of MI in corn with different ML improved the physical quality, DM, ash, and GE content of corn grain during the storage; MI maintained the DM content but did not reduce the AFB1 content of corn. Except for histidine and lysine, the supplementation of MI in corn with different ML did not affect the amino acid content of corn.

108 Citrus oil Extract Potentiates the Antifungal Efficacy of Whey Protein Fermentate AgainstAspergillus Flavus in Semi-Moist pet Treats for Dogs

Abstract Semi-moist pet treats contain moisture content ranging from 20-30% making them ideal for mold growth and mycotoxin production. To control spoilage, synthetic mold inhibitors, such as potassium sorbate, have been used. Unfortunately, consumers would prefer “natural” preservatives. Whey protein fermentate (WPF) is an efficient antifungal, albeit in large doses. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of citrus extract (CX) to potentiate WPF against Aspergillus flavus in semi-moist pet treats. Nioutritionally complete semi-moist dog treats were produced with WPF alone [0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0% (w/w)] or in combination with CX [0.25% WPF+ 0.015% CX, 0.25% WFP+ 0.15% CX, 0.5% WPF+ 0.015% CX, 0.5% WFP+ 0.15% CX (w/w)]. The negative control (NC) contained no antifungal additive and the positive control had potassium sorbate (0.1% w/w). Treats were baked into 3cm x 3cm squares. Individual squares were inoculated with 0.1 mL of Aspergillus flavus (ATCC 204304) to achieve a final concentration of ~ 5.0 Log CFU/square. The inoculated squares were individually incubated at 250 C. Fungal analysis was performed at day 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 and 28 by surface plating on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) followed by incubation at 250 C for 72h. The total log reductions were calculated by subtracting the initial inoculum with the colony counts on day 28. Log reductions of Aspergillus flavus (P&amp;lt; 0.05) were observed when WPF at 0.25% and 0.5% were added with 0.15% CX compared with when 0.015% CX was applied. All treatments were different from the NC (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Citrus extract at 0.15% potentiated the antifungal potency of WPF at 0.5% to give a similar log reduction (P &amp;gt;0.05) to WPF at 1.0% the treats. In conclusion, CX reduced the dose of WPF required to control Aspergillus flavus in semi-moist dog treats.

The food preservative sodium propionate induces hyperglycaemic state and neurological disorder in zebrafish

Propionate is an effective mould inhibitor widely used as a food preservative. In this study, we used zebrafish to explore the adverse effects of long-term exposure to low concentrations of sodium propionate and the underlying molecular mechanisms (from larvae to adult). When exposed for 3 months, we found that blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels increased, and zebrafish developed a hyperglycaemic state. New tank test results showed depression in zebrafish reduced 5-hydroxytryptamine levels in the brain and damaged the dopamine system. At the same time, the results of the color preference test showed that zebrafish had cognitive impairments. In addition, Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis analysis revealed abnormal gene expression, increased cortisol levels, and reduced glucocorticoid receptor mRNA levels, which were consistent with depressive behavior. We also observed abnormal transcription of inflammatory and apoptotic factors. Overall, we found that chronic exposure to sodium propionate induces depressive symptoms. This may be related to the activation of the HPA axis by the hyperglycaemic state, thereby inducing inflammation and disrupting the dopaminergic system. In summary, this study provides theoretical and technical support for the overlap of the emotional pathogenesis associated with diabetes.

Colorants Produced by Penicillium murcianum Are a Natural Moldicide against Trichoderma and Other Penicillium Species

Mold growth is a continuing issue when it comes to human health, as well as a growing concern in localized wood decay, as numerous ‘traditional’ molds have been found to have soft rotting capabilities. Mold inhibitors on the market are often synthetic; however, the fungal kingdom has a wide range of more ‘natural’ options. Pigments produced by many fungi have been found to be toxic to other fungi, especially soft rotting fungi. This study looked at the pigments produced by Talaromyces australis (red) and Penicillium murcianum (yellow) and their effect upon the growth and pigment production of two species of Trichoderma and two species of Penicillium. Penicillium murcianum pigment inhibited growth and pigment production of all tested species at 3 mg/mL and higher. Results from this study indicate that P. murcianum colorants have the potential to inhibit growth and pigment production against other select ‘mold’ fungi. This holds potential not only for the wood preservation industry, but for the greater natural dye industry, especially in the area of antimicrobial textiles.

Nano-AgCu Alloy on Wood Surface for Mold Resistance.

The mold infection of wood reduces the quality of its surface and potentially endangers human health. One category of the most popular mold inhibitors on the market is water-soluble fungicides. However, easy leaching due to ionic forms is a problem, which reduces the effectiveness of their antimicrobial action, as well as causing environmental pollution. Interestingly, nanometer-sized sterilizing agents present strong permeability and highly fungicidal behavior, and they are not easily leached, due to the unique nanoscale effect, and they have become alternative candidates as marketable anti-mold agents for wood protection. In this study, we first designed and explored a nanoscale alloy (nano silver–copper alloy, nano-AgCu) to treat wood surfaces for mold growth resistance. The results showed that three molds, i.e., Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum and Trichoderma viride, mainly grew on the surface of wood within a depth of 100 μm; and that the nano-AgCu alloy with a particle size of ~15 nm presented improved retention and anti-mold efficiency at a nanomaterial concentration on the wood surface. Its leaching rate increased non-linearly with the increase in nano-AgCu retention and then it showed a gradually decreasing trend. When the concentration reached 1000 mg/L, the nano-AgCu alloy uniformly distributed on the wood surface in a monodispersed state and exhibited a lower retention of 0.342 g/m2, with an anti-mold efficiency of more than 75% and a leaching rate of only 7.678%. Such results positioned 1000 mg/L as the toxic threshold concentration of nano-AgCu against the three molds. This study can provide a scientific basis for the analysis of the anti-mold mechanisms of nano-AgCu alloy on wood surfaces and guide the application of nano-metal alloy materials in the field of wood antimicrobials.

Research on Key Technologies of Wood Plastic Composites Recycling

By recycling some plastics and wood powder for the production of plastic wood, the products of the project realize the recycling of waste plastics, save forest resources and contribute to the harmonious development of the environment and society. This article attempts to solve the problems of mildew caused by high filling by adding appropriate mold inhibitor, reduces the impact of the environment on plastic wood products, and ensures the service life and appearance of plastic wood products.

Effect of mold inhibitor and adsorbent on digestive processes and consumer quality of broiler meat

Effect of mold inhibitor and adsorbent on digestive processes and consumer quality of broiler meat

Comparative effect of selected anti-mildew agents on bamboo bundles

Nutrient-rich raw bamboo materials can be infected by mildew when exposed to water or high humid environments. This not only affects the appearance of bamboo products, but it also contributes to respiratory diseases. Herein, four anti-mildew agents, i.e., boric acid, copper sulphate, alumina phosphate sol, and alumina silicate sol, were used to evaluate their anti-mildew performances. The results showed that the adequate anti-mold concentrations of boron and copper were 2% and 0.7%, respectively. The optimum mass ratio of aluminum phosphate sol and silicone aluminum sol were 1 to 1 (2% phosphoric acid addition) and 10 to 1 (aluminum salt addition was 1.5%). There were significant differences in the prevention and treatment effects of different mold inhibitors on mold and discoloration bacteria. The efficacies order of the anti-mildew property was as follows: copper sulphate &gt; alumina silicate sol &gt; boric acid &gt; alumina phosphate sol. In addition, the order for stain fungi resistance was: boric acid &gt; alumina phosphate sol &gt; alumina silicate sol &gt; copper sulphate. The selected anti-mildew agents showed promising application requirements as an active ingredient in bamboo preservative systems.

PSX-A-4 Late-Breaking: Assessing the antifungal efficacy of EverWildTM D01 against Aspergillus flavus in semi-moist pet treats

Abstract Semi-moist pet treats contain moisture levels ranging from 20–30% making them ideal for mold growth and mycotoxin production. To control mold, synthetic mold inhibitors such as potassium sorbate or calcium propionate are used. Synthetic additives are effective, but there is a shift in the pet owner preferences for ‘natural’ products. Fermented and (or) cultured whey has been shown to contain antifungal metabolites and has been used to control fungal growth in bread. EverWildTM D01 is a commercially available cultured whey product. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of EverWildTM D01 against Aspergillus flavus in a semi-moist pet treat. A model semi-moist pet treat fortified to be nutritionally complete was produced with three levels of powdered whey fermentate, [1.0%, 3.0% and 5% (w/w)], a negative control with no antifungal and a “positive control” which contained potassium sorbate as a standard industrial mold inhibitor. Treats were produced by baking in 3cm x 3cm squares. Individual squares were inoculated with 0.1 mL of Aspergillus flavus (ATCC 204304) to achieve a final concentration of ~ 5.0 Log CFU/square. The inoculated squares were individually incubated at 250 C. Fungal analysis was performed at day 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 and 28 by surface plating on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) followed by incubation at 250 C for 72h. The total log reductions were calculated by subtracting the initial inoculum with the colony counts on day 28. EverWildTM D01 at 1.0%, 3.0%, and 5% (w/w) had a 1.90, 3.89 and 4.58 Log CFU/square log reduction, respectively. The positive control had a 1.19 Log CFU/square log reduction. All treatments differed from the negative control (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, EverWildTM D01 may be effective as a natural alternative to synthetic mold inhibitors in semi-moist pet treats.

A Review on Mycotoxin in Dried Herbs

Herbs can be used in different forms such as fresh and dried. A mycotoxin is the greatest concern in the case of dried herbs, due to their low water activity, microbial contamination may persist in these products, and thus, herbs can be sources of outbreaks of foodborne diseases. The toxigenic fungal compounds called mycotoxin are poisonous substances produced by different species of fungus. Three major genera of fungus are identified to produce mycotoxins: they include Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. Although other genera also produce these toxigenic compounds. The presence of mycotoxins in dried herbs poses health risks ranging from mild to severe damage to the liver and kidney. Fungal toxicity could be prevented by controlling the environmental condition that influences fungal growth, which is by controlling the physical conditions of the dried herbs and by the use of mold inhibitors and anti-cracking additives. The control of the toxigenic compounds could also be by removing the suspected dried herbs with a fungal toxin or by the addition of the toxin binder to the ratio of the dried herbs.

A simple, effective and inhibitor‐free thermal treatment for enhancing mold‐proof property of bamboo scrimber

The bamboo scrimber has been widely used in building materials and interior decoration. However, the bamboo scrimber is very vulnerable to mold due to the rich nutrients in bamboo parenchyma cells. In this study, a thermal treatment with saturated vapor was employed to improve the mold-proof property of bamboo scrimber. Four kinds of mold (Botryodiplodia theobromae, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Trichoderma viride) were respectively used to infect the original bamboo scrimber (OBS) and thermally treated bamboo scrimber (TBS). The TBS presents better mold-proof property than the OBS, especially to T. viride. After 28-day infection, the TBSs infected area ratio reached 10.3 % with a remarkable decline compared with the OBS (45 %). In addition, no obvious discoloration was observed on the TBS after infection by B. theobromae. The obtained results show that the degradation of hemicellulose in bamboo bundles during thermal treatment mainly contributes to the enhancement of mold-proof property. The TBSs enhanced hydrophobicity also takes responsibility for slowing down the growth of mycelium. This study exhibits a simple, green and cost-effective method to effectively improve the mold-proof property for the bamboo scrimber without any extra mold inhibitors.

Evaluation of acute oral toxicity of a broad-spectrum anti-mycotoxin and hepato-protective formulation

Mycotoxins are biologically active, toxic metabolites produced by toxigenic fungi mainly belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium.They are ubiquitous in poultry feeds. Mix-01-Vil is a broad-spectrum mould inhibitor and mycotoxin binder, recommended for complete protection against multiple mycotoxins and for better production in poultry, cattle and pigs. A study was undertaken to evaluate the acute oral toxicity potential of Mix-01-Vil (M/s Ayurvet Limited, India) according to OECD 423 guidelines. Six (3 male and 3 female) Swiss albino mice were used for the study, where each animal served as its own control. Following the oral administration of the test substance, the animals were observed for the manifestation of toxic effects and mortality. No toxic effects or mortalities were observed till 14 days and Mix-01-Vil was found to be safe for oral use.