Dynamic interaction mechanism of A. flavus-maize was explored by SWIR-HSI and SR-FTIR

SR-FTIR microspectroscopy and 2D correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) were used to reveal the dynamic changes of nutrient loss, grain composition and AFB1 accumulation during fungal infection of corn grains. Specifically, in the process of fungal infection, 2DCOS synchronous spectrum and asynchronous spectrum were used to explore the sequence of the loss of different nutrients and the changes of AFB1 biosynthetic functional groups in corn grains. Further, the spectral differences of lipid, protein, starch and trace AFB1 in indicator samples under time series were clarified. Based on SR-FTIR technology mapping imaging function, the gradual hydrolysis of nutrients and toxin accumulation were visualized. In summary, the combination of SWIR-HSI with high spectral resolution and SR-FTIR with high spatial resolution provides new insights into how to quantify the spatio-temporal patterns of fungal infection and AFB1 accumulation on progressively damaged grains.