Inhibitory of multiple antifungal components produced by Lactobacillus plantarum K35 on growth, aflatoxin production and ultrastructure alterations of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus

The antifungal activity of Lactobacillus plantarum K35 isolated from traditional Thai fermented rice noodle was evaluated against the growth and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus TISTR304 and Aspergillus parasiticus TISTR3276. Multiple antifungal compounds secreted by L. plantarum were firstly analyzed using GC–MS in parallel to the ultrastructure alteration of the treated fungi. L. plantarum K35 supernatant caused significant reduction of the fungal growth and aflatoxin production. The antifungal activity was pH-dependent and favorable to acidic conditions whereas the catalase treatment had no influence indicating no involvement of hydrogen peroxide in the inhibition. Antifungal substances were resistant to sterilization and proteolytic enzymes including trypsin and proteinase K. The major components, apart from lactic acid, were 2-butyl-4-hexyloctahydro-1H-indene (19.55%), oleic acid (10.52%) and palmitic acid (7.27%). Other minor antifungal compounds included linoleic acid (2.11%), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (1.84%), stearic acid (1.55%), 3-phenyllactic acid (1.42%) and pyroglutamic acid (1.07%). The morphological changes of the fungi exposed to the supernatant were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). L. plantarum K35 supernatant caused severe damage to the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane leading to a massive loss of cytoplasmic content, the formation of membrane-bound vesicles, and complete destruction of membranous organelles including mitochondria and nucleus.