Heat stability of chaetoglobosins A and C

Abstract

Chaetomium globosum is commonly found in water-damaged buildings and produces the mycotoxins chaetoglobosin A and chaetoglobosin C (Ch-A and Ch-C, respectively). While attempting to purify Ch-A and Ch-C, we observed that these mycotoxins were broken down after heating. The objective of this study was to determine the temperature and the amount of time necessary to break down Ch-A and Ch-C. We demonstrated that the amounts of Ch-A were significantly reduced when exposed to 75 degrees C for 24 h and 100 degrees C for 90, 120, or 150 min. Under the same conditions, the levels of Ch-C were also lower (although not significantly). At 175 degrees C, no Ch-A was detected after 15 min and Ch-C was significantly reduced after 30 min. Our findings will aid other researchers who work with these mycotoxins in the future.