Aflatoxins: From Biosynthesis to Mitigation Strategies

Dear Colleagues,

Aflatoxins, produced by Aspergillus flavus and related species, represent a pervasive and potent threat to global food security and human health. Their contamination of crops leads to substantial economic losses and severe diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Addressing this challenge requires a fundamental understanding of the mytoxin's biosynthetic pathway and its regulation, coupled with the development of effective and sustainable control measures.

This Special Issue of Toxins focuses on the biosynthetic and regulatory mechanisms of aflatoxin production by A. flavus and on recent advances in biological, chemical, and ecological control strategies. We welcome studies that investigate the genetic and epigenetic regulation of aflatoxin biosynthetic pathways, molecular interactions between A. flavus and host plants, and inhibitory mechanisms of microbial or natural antagonists. Studies employing omics analyses, molecular genetics, or applied biocontrol approaches to reduce aflatoxin contamination in food and feed are especially encouraged.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Molecular mechanisms and regulation of aflatoxin biosynthesis.
• Genetic and epigenetic control of A. flavus toxin production.
• Inhibitory mechanisms of microbial, enzymatic, and natural agents against A. flavus.
• Environmental and ecological factors affecting aflatoxin contamination.
• Innovative detection, mitigation, and biocontrol technologies for aflatoxin control.
• Omics-based studies on A. flavus pathogenicity and toxin regulation.

This Special Issue welcomes original research, reviews, and short communications that will contribute to increasing our understanding of aflatoxin biosynthesis and its effective control.

Dr. Kunlong Yang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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