Metabolomics analysis based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS reveals effects of genistein on reducing mycotoxin citrinin production by Monascus aurantiacus Li AS3.4384

Monascus mold produces useful bioactive compounds such as Monascus pigments, monacolin K, and ergosterol . In this study, metabolomics analysis was used to investigate the metabolic profile changes in Monascus aurantiacus Li AS3.4384 (MALA) induced by genistein at different fermentation times using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The addition of genistein was found to not only reduce citrinin but also suppress significant differential metabolites. A total of 21 significant differential metabolites were involved in the most significant metabolic pathways (impact >0.1). These metabolites affected the aspartic acid , glutamic acid pathway, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, pyruvate synthesis pathway, and lysine degradation pathway. Thus, the addition of genistein may change the precursor for citrinin synthesis of Monascus . These findings provide significant insight into the Monascus metabolic pathways affected by genistein and will help to improve the quality control and safety of Monascus in food and supplements.