Low-dose gamma irradiation enhances the enzymatic ochratoxin A detoxification potential of a soil-derived Bacillus thuringiensis
Eman Tawfik
Contamination of food by Aspergillus niger is a serious global food safety issue due to ochratoxin A (OTA). This study evaluates the use of low-dose gamma irradiation to maximize the mycotoxin-detoxifying properties of a native Bacillus thuringiensis biocontrol agent isolated from soil. A soil-derived B. thuringiensis strain demonstrated significant intrinsic antifungal activity against an OTA-producing A. niger isolate, which was correlated with the production of chitinases, glucanases, and pro