OCCURRENCE OF AFLATOXINS AND FUNGI OF THE GENUS ASPERGILLUS IN BEE POLLEN

• Grant number: 25/01471-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Genetics and Improvement of Domestic Animals
• Principal Investigator: Aline Silva Mello Cesar
• Grantee: Raphaela Romeu Rosa
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The products of bees (Apis mellifera L.), such as honey, royal jelly, and pollen, are recognized for their nutritional properties and health benefits, drawing interest from the food and pharmaceutical industries. Bee pollen is a rich source of essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, lipids, fibers, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Due to its nutrient-rich composition and moisture content, bee pollen is susceptible to contamination by fungi, especially from the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium, which produce mycotoxins harmful to human and animal health, as observed in several studies. Among these genera, Aspergillus stands out because it includes species that produce aflatoxins, substances known to be carcinogenic. Therefore, it is important to investigate the incidence of these microorganisms to mitigate health risks and improve the safety of apiculture products like pollen. There is a lack of data on the occurrence of mycotoxins in pollen in Brazil, justifying the need for research in this area. The aim of this project is to evaluate the presence of aflatoxins in pollen samples and the presence of potentially aflatoxigenic fungi from the Aspergillus genus using molecular biology techniques. The expected results from this study will contribute to a better understanding of the possible presence of aflatoxins in apiculture products, providing important information for both the production of these foods and public health. The execution of this research project will equip the scholar with advanced analytical techniques, research skills, and innovation. (AU)