A polyphasic approach for black Aspergillus identification using MALDI-TOF MS

Abstract

The Aspergillus section Nigri is among the best studied fungi, having different commercial applications, but also causing biodeterioration of commodities and food spoilage. Although being well studied, their identification is not straightforward, and, recently, new species have been described in this section. These new species were not only separated from their relatives in the section by morphological distinction but also from molecular point of view. Recently, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been used to generate spectrum of protein masses in a range of 2000 to 20000 Da that is a taxon specific fingerprinting. This approach could be employed as an alternative to the molecular techniques.