Screening, Identification and Growth Characterization of Strains Inhibiting the Growth and Synthesis of Ochratoxin A by Aspergillus niger in Hams

Ochratoxin A (OTA) was a common mycotoxin in dry-cured hams, posing a significant threat to consumer health. Aspergillus niger A-8 serves as the primary OTA-producing fungus in ham in Panxian County, Guizhou Province. To identify strains capable of inhibiting OTA production by A. niger A-8, three strains (QF3, KF4, and RS18) were selected to assess their potential biocontrol ability, including antifungal activity, the impact of NaCl content on growth and antifungal activity, and their ability to inhibit OTA production in ham media. Simultaneously, the three strains underwent haemolytic, morphological and 16S rDNA identification, along with growth characterization. Results showed that all three strains exhibited robust antifungal activity against A. niger A-8. Although a high NaCl concentration (8%) hindered their growth, it did not compromise their antifungal efficacy. These strains effectively (P