Screening for Mycotoxins and Major Bioactive Molecules in Mould Infested Brown Variety (BV) and Speckled Flecked Spotted Variety (SFSV) Vigna subterranea (Bambara Nut) in Nigeria

Aims: This research was carried out with the sole aim of screening for mycotoxins and identifying the major bioactive molecules in two varieties of mould infested Vigna subterranea.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of microbiology, University of Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria was used for this research within the space of four months.

Methodology: Two varieties of Vigna subterranea were collected into a clean sealed container from major markets in South Eastern Nigeria. Samples were properly labeled and conveyed to the laboratory. After four months, samples were blended and dissolved in methanol and ethanol at a ratio of 80:20 volumes / volume (v/v). Bioactive molecules and mycotoxins were screened for using Gas chromatography/ Mass spectrometry.

Result: There was high level of similarities in major bioactive molecules of fatty acids, sugars, amino acids, phenols, alcohol and antioxidants in the two varieties. The pH and moisture content were within unfavourable range for mycotoxin production. Moisture content of the varieties was 2.46% and 8.03% while the pH was 7.01 and 6.9 respectively. Some biomolecules were peculiar to only one variety. Brown Variety (BV) and Specked Flecked Spotted Variety (SFSV) had Oleic acid with peak percentage area of 37.91% and 34.40% as the highest bimolecules respectively. Palmitic acid had percentage area above 15% in the two varieties.

Conclusion: This study juxtaposes the fact that mycotoxin production in V. subterranea is a synergistic effect of mould contamination and the necessary favourable environment.