Relationship between lipids and aflatoxin biosynthesis.

This paper describes the key role of lipids on fungal growth and of lipoperoxidation on the output of aflatoxin biosynthesis both 'in vitro' and 'in vivo'. 'In vitro' BHA, BHT and cysteamine, depending their concentration, are capable of reducing or blocking aflatoxin output induced by lipoperoxides or halomethanes in cultures of Aspergillus flavus or A. parasiticus without affecting fungal growth. 'In vivo' BHA and BHT significantly reduced aflatoxin production on wheat, maize and sunflower inoculated with aflatoxigenic Aspergilli essentially by preventing fungal growth. 'In vivo' the seeds surface lipids represent a very important carbon source for fungal growth.