Aims: The antifungal activity of trans-2-hexenal on Aspergillus flavus in a model system in relation to its concentration, incubation temperature and aw was assessed.
Methods and results: A model describing the antifungal activity of the aldehyde in relation to these variables was obtained.
Conclusion: According to this model, the inhibition of A. flavus was weakly dependent on the incubation temperature (at least within the range of values considered) and strongly affected by the trans-2-hexenal concentration and aw, which showed a remarkable synergistic effect.
Significance and impact of the study: Trans-2-hexenal proved to be a molecule with remarkable antimicrobial properties, even when added in closed systems at low concentration.