Mycotoxin Assessment of Leaf-Wrapped Foods: Characterization of Endophytic Fungal Diversity and Multi-Mycotoxin Profiles in Traditional Eko and Iru

Malemagovha, Michelle and Alayande, Kazeem A. and Obi, Linda U. and Oluwadamilola, M. Makinde and Adeleke, Rasheed A (2026) Mycotoxin Assessment of Leaf-Wrapped Foods: Characterization of Endophytic Fungal Diversity and Multi-Mycotoxin Profiles in Traditional Eko and Iru. ACS Food Science & Technology, 6. pp. 2280-2288.

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Abstract

The use of wrapping leaves serves to protect foods and enhance their flavor. However, these leaves naturally harbor endophytic microorganisms, which may include species that are beneficial or belong to genera with known toxigenic or pathogenic potential. This study characterizes fungal communities and mycotoxin profiles in West African foods wrapped in Megaphrynium macrostachyum leaves, identifying how beneficial endophytes transition into pathogenic risks. Using ITS gene amplicon sequencing and LC-MS/MS analysis, this study revealed a significant restructuring of the endophytic mycobiome during wrapping of Iru and Eko. The process created a niche that favored toxigenic fungi, specifically replacing protective Paecilomyces spp. with mycotoxin producers and identifying a potential transfer of Fusarium spp. from leaves to food. The detection of regulated mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, fumonisins, zearalenone) and emerging mycotoxins (brevianamide F, bikaverin) in wrapped foods underscores major public health risks. Eko samples exhibited higher concentrations of mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus species, while Iru control samples contained an aflatoxin B1 concentration (5.52 μg/kg), raising public health concerns. These findings emphasize quality control and toxin monitoring across the production chain to ensure the safety of traditional leaf-wrapped foods.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Natural Sciences and Environmental Studies
Depositing User: Uchenna Eneogwe
Date Deposited: 27 Aug 2026 14:02
Last Modified: 27 Aug 2026 14:02
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/6320

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