Response of Aspergillus flavus , Aspergillus niger and Penicillium citrinum to oxidative stress induced by Fenton’s reagent

The presence of fungi in water systems represents a threat to human health. Hydrogen peroxide is known for its disinfecting properties and easy decomposition to water and oxygen. Its activity can be enhanced by the addition of iron as a catalyst, a reagent known as Fentonʼs reagent. In the present study, different Fenton concentrations were investigated on the spores of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium citrinum at different time intervals. The results indicate that complete inactivation of spores was noticed after 60 min of exposure to both 2 and 3% H2O2 catalyzed by 0.025 g Fe2+/100 ml for A. niger, and 3% H2O2 catalysed by 0.075 g Fe2+/100 ml for P. citrinum. The activity of two antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), was determined in mycelial mat harvested after 7 days. Their activities were either highly increased or reached their minimum values prior to inactivation of spores

Antioxidant · Aspergillus flavus · Aspergillus niger · Biology · Botany · Catalase · Fenton reaction · Fenton's reagent · Hydrogen peroxide · Mycelium · Oxidative stress · Penicillium · Penicillium citrinum · Reagent · Spore · Superoxide dismutase · Biochemistry · Chemistry · Chromium effects and bioremediation · Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology · Enzyme-mediated dye degradation · Food Science · Microbiology · Organic Chemistry