Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (10): 129-142.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2025-0321

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Advances in Fumonisins Contamination: Current Status, Toxicological Mechanisms, and Mitigation Strategies

ZHANG Yu-shan1(), ZHANG Wen-wen1, LIU Yan1, SHEN Yu-pu1, SUN Lu2, HUANG Wei-hong2, LI Zhong-yuan1()   

  1. 1.College of Bioengineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457
    2.Shandong Futian Pharmaceutical Co. , Ltd. , Dezhou 251200
  • Received:2025-03-27 Online:2025-10-26 Published:2025-10-28
  • Contact: LI Zhong-yuan E-mail:17772618639@163.com;lizhongyuan@tust.edu.cn

Abstract:

Fumonisins are a class of significantly hazardous fungal secondary metabolites produced by Fusarium fungi. These toxins are widely prevalent contaminants in various grains such as corn, wheat, sorghum, and their derived products. Due to their severe threat to agricultural product safety and substantial hazards to human and animal health, fumonisin contamination causes a formidable challenge in the global food safety domain. With increasing global attention to fusarium toxin contamination, particularly fumonisin contamination, and the trend towards stricter regulatory standards, it becomes particularly urgent to systematically review research progress, thereby providing a scientific basis for risk assessment and practical prevention and control efforts. This review aims to systematically summarize key aspects of fumonisin research. First, it analyzes the main types of fumonisins and their unique chemical structural characteristics. Subsequently, it elucidates the biosynthetic pathway governed by the polyketide synthase (PKS) gene cluster. Next, it reveals the toxicity mechanisms of fumonisins across molecular (e.g., disrupting sphingolipid metabolism), cellular (e.g., inducing oxidative stress and cell death), and organ levels (e.g., causing damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system).Furthermore, the review compares and analyzes the applicability and technical limitations of common detection methods, including chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques (e.g., LC-MS/MS) and rapid immunoassays (e.g., ELISA). Finally, it summarizes a comprehensive "farm-to-fork" prevention and control system encompassing strategies such as physical adsorption, chemical degradation, and biological control. This multi-scale analysis of fumonisin contamination patterns, toxic mechanisms, and control strategies lays a solid theoretical foundation for scientifically assessing their risks. It also offers valuable practical insights for developing efficient detoxification technologies, ensuring agricultural product quality and safety, and safeguarding the health and well-being of humans and animals.

Key words: fumonisins, biosynthetic pathways, toxicity mechanisms, prevention and control system