N-carboxymethylchitosan inhibition of aflatoxin production: Role of zinc

Abstract

Aqueous Solutions of N-carboxymethylchitosan (NCMC) suppressed both growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillusflavus and A.parasiticus in submerged culture (Adye and Mateles A&M). Test media were amended with various concentrations of zinc (15, 30, 45, 60 uM), and NCMC solution (0.62 uM). After 8 days incubation NCMC-treated cultures showed marked reduction of aflatoxin production and fungal growth. Enhanced levels of zinc did not overcome the NCMC-mediated inhibition of fungal growth or aflatoxin production. © 1991 Science and Technology Letters.