(Poly)phenol-rich extracts from six tropical fruits: antifungal and antimycotoxin activity against Fusarium verticillioides

Abstract

(Poly)phenol from tropical fruits have attracted attention for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, offering potential solutions to food safety risks posed by microorganisms and mycotoxins. Using a validated and streamlined ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array and tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) protocol, targeted (poly)phenol with antimicrobial and antimycotoxin potential were analyzed in six tropical fruits (Annona muricata, Anacardium occidentale, Byrsonima crassifolia, Elaeis guineensis, Hylocereus costaricensis, and Spondias purpurea). The (poly) phenol-rich extracts of the most promising ones according to their total (poly)phenol content, namely A. occidentale, B. crassifolia, and H. costaricensis, were further evaluated for their antifungal and antimycotoxin activities. Bioassays revealed antifungal activity against Fusarium verticillioides and inhibition of fumonisin B1 (FB1) accumulation. When applied to maize and rice grains, these extracts provided protection, although efficacy decreased over time (after 45 days), likely due to (poly)phenol degradation. The antifungal and antimycotoxin effects may be attributed to the combined action of multiple (poly)phenol, which are abundant in these fruits.