ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate the inhibition effect of two strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC4495 and Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC20552 on Aflatoxins [AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2] producing fungi in both of culture media and corn grains [Zea maize]. Aflatoxins [AFs], the secondary metabolites produced by species of Aspergilli, specifically Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, have harmful effects on humans, animals, and crops that result in illnesses and economic losses. Both L. acidophilus strains were in vitro tested for its antifungal activity against A. flavus and A. parasiticus individually. The results indicated that both of strains showed antifungal activity against tested fungi. The cell free supernatant of L. acidophilus ATCC4495 recorded stronger inhibition against A. flavus [11.5m] and A. parasiticus [13m] while L. acidophilus ATCC20552 was less active. In addition, the activity was decreased by diluting the supernatant, for both L. acidophilus strains. Corn grains treated with original supernatant [100%] recorded the lowest total damage percentage during 30 days of storage at room temperature. Strain L. acidophilus ATCC4495 recorded high activity against two fungal strains. Corn grains treated only with LAB supernatant [negative controls] recorded the lowest aflatoxins content followed by infected grains with either A. flavus or A. parasiticus treated with cell free supernatant of L. acidophilus ATCC4495, followed by L. acidophilus ATCC20552, while infected grains with A. flavus or A. parasiticus [positive controls] contained the highest aflatoxins content