Application of Fungal Metabolites Against Mycotoxins Production

Abstract

Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by fungi that contaminate various food and feedstuffs. There are about 100 different types of mycotoxins which are produced by a wide range of fungal species. The variety of their toxicity is linked to the diversity of their chemical structure. Amongst them, three biosynthesis origins are mostly studied: the polyketides (e.g., aflatoxins, fumonisins), the terpenes (e.g., trichothecenes), and the ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine). In this chapter we present those biosynthetic origins and focus on the mycotoxins threatening human health. Their biosynthesis, producing fungi, toxicity, and regulation are succinctly presented. In the second part of the chapter, we focus our attention on fungal metabolites as a potential source of biocontrol, being antifungal, impacting both fungal growth and mycotoxins production and preventing mycotoxins biosynthesis. We finally conclude on the wide diversity of mycotoxins origins and the need to pursue the discovery of new fungal metabolites to counteract mycotoxins production.