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17 pages, 2750 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adsorption of Zearalenone by Aureobasidium pullulans Autolyzed Biomass Preparation and Its Detoxification Properties in Cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast

by Anna Bzducha-Wróbel, Monika Janowicz, Marcin Bryła and Iga Grzesiuk

Toxins 2024, 16(2), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins16020105 - 15 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1661

Abstract

Different preventive strategies are needed to minimize the intake risks of mycotoxins, including zearalenone (ZEN). The aim of this study was to determine the ZEN adsorption ability of an autolyzed biomass preparation of polymorphic yeast Aureobasidium pullulans A.p.-3. The evaluation of the antitoxic [...] Read more.

Different preventive strategies are needed to minimize the intake risks of mycotoxins, including zearalenone (ZEN). The aim of this study was to determine the ZEN adsorption ability of an autolyzed biomass preparation of polymorphic yeast Aureobasidium pullulans A.p.-3. The evaluation of the antitoxic properties of the preparation was also performed in relation to Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (ATCC 2366, ATCC 7090 and ATCC 9763) used as a model cell exposed to a toxic ZEN dose. The preparation at a dose of 5 mg/mL showed the adsorption of ZEN present in model systems at concentrations between 1 μg/mL to 100 μg/mL. The highest degree of adsorption was established for ZEN concentrations of 1 μg/mL and 5 μg/mL, becoming limited at higher doses of the toxin. Based on the Langmuir model of adsorption isotherms, the predicted maximum ZEN adsorption was approx. 190 µg/mL, regardless of pH. The growth of three strains of S. cerevisiae yeast cells in the medium with ZEN at concentrations within the range of 1.56 μg/mL–100 μg/mL was analyzed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The growth of all tested strains was especially limited by high doses of ZEN, i.e., 50 and 100 μg/mL. The protective effect of the tested preparation was noted in relation to yeast cells exposed to toxic 100 μg/mL ZEN doses. The highest yeast cell growth (app. 36% percentage) was noted for a S. cerevisiae ATCC 9763 strain compared to the medium with ZEN but without preparation. More detailed tests determining the antitoxic mechanisms of the A. pullulans preparation are planned in the future, including cell culture bioassays and animal digestive tract models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Decontamination and Adsorption)

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14 pages, 2173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Two Commercially Available Adsorbents to Reduce the Combined Toxic Effects of Dietary Aflatoxins, Fumonisins, and Zearalenone and Their Residues in the Tissues of Weaned Pigs

by Micheli Midori de Cerqueira Costa Aoyanagi, Fábio Enrique Lemos Budiño, Jog Raj, Marko Vasiljević, Sher Ali, Leandra Naira Zambelli Ramalho, Fernando Silva Ramalho, Carlos Humberto Corassin, Giovana Fumes Ghantous and Carlos Augusto Fernandes de Oliveira

Toxins 2023, 15(11), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins15110629 - 27 Oct 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2309

Abstract

Mycotoxins present a significant health concern within the animal-feed industry, with profound implications for the pig-farming sector. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two commercial adsorbents, an organically modified clinoptilolite (OMC) and a multicomponent mycotoxin detoxifying agent (MMDA), [...] Read more.

Mycotoxins present a significant health concern within the animal-feed industry, with profound implications for the pig-farming sector. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two commercial adsorbents, an organically modified clinoptilolite (OMC) and a multicomponent mycotoxin detoxifying agent (MMDA), to ameliorate the combined adverse effects of dietary aflatoxins (AFs: sum of AFB₁, AFB₂, AFG₁, and AFG₂), fumonisins (FBs), and zearalenone (ZEN) at levels of nearly 0.5, 1.0, and 1.0 mg/kg, on a cohort of cross-bred female pigs (N = 24). Pigs were randomly allocated into six experimental groups (control, mycotoxins (MTX) alone, MTX + OMC 1.5 kg/ton, MTX + OMC 3.0 kg/ton, MTX + MMDA 1.5 kg/ton, and MTX + MMDA 3.0 kg/ton), each consisting of four individuals, and subjected to a dietary regimen spanning 42 days. The administration of combined AFs, FBs, and ZEN reduced the body-weight gain and increased the relative weight of the liver, while there was no negative influence observed on the serum biochemistry of animals. The supplementation of OMC and MMDA ameliorated the toxic effects, as observed in organ histology, and provided a notable reduction in residual AFs, FBs, and ZEN levels in the liver and kidneys. Moreover, the OMC supplementation was able to reduce the initiation of liver carcinogenesis without any hepatotoxic side effects. These findings demonstrate that the use of OMC and MMDA effectively mitigated the adverse effects of dietary AFs, FBs, and ZEN in piglets. Further studies should explore the long-term protective effects of the studied adsorbent supplementation to optimize mycotoxin management strategies in pig-farming operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Decontamination and Adsorption)

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18 pages, 4057 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Removal of Aflatoxin B₁ Using Alfalfa Leaves as an Adsorbent Material: A Comparison between Two In Vitro Experimental Models

by María de Jesús Nava-Ramírez, Alma Vázquez-Durán, Juan de Dios Figueroa-Cárdenas, Daniel Hernández-Patlán, Bruno Solís-Cruz, Guillermo Téllez-Isaías, Carlos López-Coello and Abraham Méndez-Albores

Toxins 2023, 15(10), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins15100604 - 8 Oct 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2529

Abstract

An adsorbent material derived from alfalfa leaves was prepared and further characterized, and its efficacy for removing aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) was investigated. Characterization consisted of the use of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), [...] Read more.

An adsorbent material derived from alfalfa leaves was prepared and further characterized, and its efficacy for removing aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) was investigated. Characterization consisted of the use of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), point of zero charge (pH_pzc), zeta potential (ζ-potential), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and spectral analysis. To determine the adsorption capacity against AFB₁ (250 ng AFB₁/mL), pH-dependent and avian intestinal in vitro models were used. The adsorbent inclusion percentage was 0.5% (w/w). In general, the pH-dependent model gave adsorption percentages of 98.2%, 99.9%, and 98.2%, evaluated at pH values of 2, 5, and 7, respectively. However, when the avian intestinal model was used, it was observed that the adsorption percentage of AFB₁ significantly decreased (88.8%). Based on the characterization results, it is proposed that electrostatic, non-electrostatic, and the formation of chlorophyll-AFB₁ complexes were the main mechanisms for AFB₁ adsorption. From these results, it can be concluded that the adsorbent derived from alfalfa leaves could be used as an effective material for removing AFB₁ in in vitro digestion models that mimic the physiological reality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Decontamination and Adsorption)

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18 pages, 5026 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spectroscopic and Microestructural Evidence for T-2 Toxin Adsorption Mechanism by Natural Bentonite Modified with Organic Cations

by Fernando Abiram García-García, Eliseo Cristiani-Urbina, Liliana Morales-Barrera, Olga Nelly Rodríguez-Peña, Luis Barbo Hernández-Portilla and Cesar Mateo Flores-Ortíz

Toxins 2023, 15(7), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins15070470 - 21 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1573

Abstract

Aluminosilicates are adsorbents able to bind mycotoxins, and their chemical modification increases their affinity to adsorb low-polarity mycotoxins. To further investigate if the inclusion of salts in bentonite modifies its adsorptive capacity, we studied T-2 toxin adsorption in natural bentonite (NB) and when [...] Read more.

Aluminosilicates are adsorbents able to bind mycotoxins, and their chemical modification increases their affinity to adsorb low-polarity mycotoxins. To further investigate if the inclusion of salts in bentonite modifies its adsorptive capacity, we studied T-2 toxin adsorption in natural bentonite (NB) and when modified with quaternary ammonium salts differing in polarity and chain length: myristyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (B14), cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (B16) and benzyl dimethyl stearyl ammonium chloride (B18). The results showed that quaternary salts made bentonite: displace monovalent (Na⁺¹, K⁺¹) and divalent (Mg⁺², Ca⁺²) ions; reduce its porosity; change its compaction and structure, becoming more crystalline and ordered; and modify the charge balance of sheets. T-2 adsorption was higher in all modified materials compared to NB (p ≤ 0.0001), and B16 (42.96%) better adsorbed T-2 compared to B18 (35.80%; p = 0.0066). B14 (38.40%) showed no differences compared to B16 and B18 (p > 0.05). We described the T-2 adsorption mechanism in B16, in which hydrogen bond interactions, Van der Waals forces and the replacement of the salt by T-2 were found. Our results showed that interaction types due to the inclusion in B16 might be more important than the hydrocarbon chain length to improve the adsorptive capacity of bentonite. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Decontamination and Adsorption)

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16 pages, 2326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Adsorption Efficacy of Bentonite on Aflatoxin M₁ Levels in Contaminated Milk

by Gamal M. Hamad, Hussein S. Abo El-Makarem, Marwa G. Allam, Osama S. El Okle, Marwa I. El-Toukhy, Taha Mehany, Yasser El-Halmouch, Mukhtar M. F. Abushaala, Mohamed S. Saad, Sameh A. Korma, Salam A. Ibrahim, Elsayed E. Hafez, Amr Amer and Eman Ali

Toxins 2023, 15(2), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins15020107 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3090

Abstract

The existence of aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in raw milk results in economic losses and public health risks. This research aims to examine the capability of bentonite to adsorb and/or eliminate AFM₁ from various raw milk types. In addition, the [...] Read more.

The existence of aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in raw milk results in economic losses and public health risks. This research aims to examine the capability of bentonite to adsorb and/or eliminate AFM₁ from various raw milk types. In addition, the effects of numerous bentonites (HAFR 1, 2, 3 and 4) on the nutritional characteristics of the milk were studied. Our findings revealed that goat milk had the highest value of AFM₁ (490.30 ng/L) in comparison to other milks. AFM₁ adsorption was influenced by applying bentonite (0.5 and 1 g) in a concentration-dependent manner for different time intervals (from 0 to 12 h). The percentage of AFM₁ reached the maximum adsorption level after 12 h to 100, 98.5 and 98% for bentonites HAFR 3, 1 and 2, respectively. HAFR 3 (1 g bentonite) presented higher adsorption efficiency than other bentonites used in the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and milk. Residual levels of AFM₁ reached their lowest values of 0 and 1.5 ng/L while using HAFR 3 in PBS and milk, respectively. With regard to the influence of bentonite on the nutritional characteristics of milk, there was an increase in fat, protein and solid non-fat ratio while using HAFR 3 and 4, yet decreased lactose in comparison with the control. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy both identified bentonites as superior AFM₁ binders. The results demonstrated that bentonite, particularly HAFR 3, was the most effective adsorbent and could thus be a promising candidate for the decontamination of AFM₁ in milk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Decontamination and Adsorption)

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23 pages, 3745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Red Yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) Be Used as a Novel Feed Additive for Mycotoxin Binders in Broiler Chickens?

by Orranee Srinual, Tossapol Moonmanee, Chompunut Lumsangkul, Hien Van Doan, Montri Punyatong, Mongkol Yachai, Thanongsak Chaiyaso, Kittima Kongtong and Wanaporn Tapingkae

Toxins 2022, 14(10), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14100678 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3485

Abstract

Mycotoxin-contaminated feeds may negatively affect broiler chickens’ health; hence, a sustainable approach to achieve mycotoxin elimination is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus; RY) as a novel mycotoxin binder in broilers. A total of [...] Read more.

Mycotoxin-contaminated feeds may negatively affect broiler chickens’ health; hence, a sustainable approach to achieve mycotoxin elimination is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus; RY) as a novel mycotoxin binder in broilers. A total of 1440 one-week-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 12 treatments in a 3 × 4 factorial design. The dietary treatments included three levels of mycotoxin-contaminated diets (0 µg kg⁻¹ (0% of mycotoxin; MT), 50 µg kg⁻¹ (50% MT), and 100 µg kg⁻¹ (100% MT)) and four levels of mycotoxin binders (0.0 and 0.5 g kg⁻¹ commercial binder, and 0.5 and 1.0 g kg⁻¹ RY). Experimental diets were contaminated with aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin, and deoxynivalenol in the basal diet. Furthermore, the parameters including feed intake, body weight, and mortality rate were recorded on a weekly basis. After feeding for 28 days, blood and organ samples were collected randomly to determine the blood biochemistry, relative organ weights, and gut health. The results indicated that mycotoxin-contaminated diets reduced the average daily weight gain (ADG), villus height (VH), and villus height per the crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) of the intestine, as well as the population of Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. in the cecal (p < 0.05), whereas they increased the mycotoxins concentration in the blood samples and the apoptosis cells (TUNEL positive) in the liver tissue (p < 0.01) of broiler chicken. In contrast, RY-supplemented diets had better ADG values and lower chicken mortality rates (p < 0.05). Moreover, these combinations positively impacted the relative organ weights, blood parameters, bacteria population, intestinal morphology, and pathological changes in the hepatocytes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, RY supplementation effectively alleviated the toxicity that is induced by AFB1 and OTA, mainly, and could potentially be applied as a novel feed additive in the broiler industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Decontamination and Adsorption)

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29 pages, 3392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Bentonite Cause Cytotoxic and Whole-Transcriptomic Adverse Effects in Enterocytes When Used to Reduce Aflatoxin B1 Exposure?

by Greta Mucignat, Irene Bassan, Mery Giantin, Marianna Pauletto, Anisa Bardhi, Silvia Iori, Rosa Maria Lopparelli, Andrea Barbarossa, Anna Zaghini, Enrico Novelli and Mauro Dacasto

Toxins 2022, 14(7), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14070435 - 26 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3297

Abstract

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a major food safety concern, threatening the health of humans and animals. Bentonite (BEN) is an aluminosilicate clay used as a feed additive to reduce AFB1 presence in contaminated feedstuff. So far, few studies have characterized BEN toxicity and [...] Read more.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a major food safety concern, threatening the health of humans and animals. Bentonite (BEN) is an aluminosilicate clay used as a feed additive to reduce AFB1 presence in contaminated feedstuff. So far, few studies have characterized BEN toxicity and efficacy in vitro. In this study, cytotoxicity (WST-1 test), the effects on cell permeability (trans-epithelial electrical resistance and lucifer yellow dye incorporation), and transcriptional changes (RNA-seq) caused by BEN, AFB1 and their combination (AFB1 + BEN) were investigated in Caco-2 cells. Up to 0.1 mg/mL, BEN did not affect cell viability and permeability, but it reduced AFB1 cytotoxicity; however, at higher concentrations, BEN was cytotoxic. As to RNA-seq, 0.1 mg/mL BEN did not show effects on cell transcriptome, confirming that the interaction between BEN and AFB1 occurs in the medium. Data from AFB1 and AFB1 + BEN suggested AFB1 provoked most of the transcriptional changes, whereas BEN was preventive. The most interesting AFB1-targeted pathways for which BEN was effective were cell integrity, xenobiotic metabolism and transporters, basal metabolism, inflammation and immune response, p53 biological network, apoptosis and carcinogenesis. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the in vitro toxicity and whole-transcriptomic effects of BEN, alone or in the presence of AFB1. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Decontamination and Adsorption)

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17 pages, 2869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Adsorption of Deoxynivalenol by Porous Carbon Prepared from Soybean Dreg

by Zhiwei Ying, Di Zhao, He Li, Xinqi Liu and Jian Zhang

Toxins 2021, 13(7), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13070500 - 18 Jul 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3188

Abstract

A novel porous carbon adsorbent for the removal of deoxynivalenol was prepared from soybean dreg (SD). The new material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, N₂ adsorption/desorption measurement [...] Read more.

A novel porous carbon adsorbent for the removal of deoxynivalenol was prepared from soybean dreg (SD). The new material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, N₂ adsorption/desorption measurement techniques, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The specific surface area of the SDB-6-KOH was found to be 3655.95 m² g⁻¹, the pore volume was 1.936 cm³ g⁻¹ and the average pore size was 2.125 nm. The high specific surface area and effective functional groups of the carbon material promoted the adsorption of deoxynivalenol. By comparing the adsorption effect of SDB-6-X prepared with different activators (X: KOH, K₂CO₃, KHCO₃), SDB-6-KOH had the highest adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption capacity of SDB-6-KOH to deoxynivalenol was 52.9877 µg mg⁻¹, and the removal efficiency reached 88.31% at 318 K. The adsorption kinetic and isotherm data were suitable for pseudo-second-order and Langmuir equations, and the results of this study show that the novel carbon material has excellent adsorptive ability and, thus, offers effective practical application potential for the removal of deoxynivalenol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Decontamination and Adsorption)

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21 pages, 541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combination of Extrusion and Fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum and L. uvarum Strains for Improving the Safety Characteristics of Wheat Bran

by Elena Bartkiene, Egle Zokaityte, Vita Lele, Vytaute Starkute, Paulina Zavistanaviciute, Dovile Klupsaite, Darius Cernauskas, Modestas Ruzauskas, Vadims Bartkevics, Iveta Pugajeva, Zane Bērziņa, Romas Gruzauskas, Sonata Sidlauskiene, Antonello Santini and Grazina Juodeikiene

Toxins 2021, 13(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13020163 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3035

Abstract

Processed wheat bran (W) is of great importance for food and feed. Consequently, the biosafety of W should be evaluated and improved with valorisation strategies. This study tested a design combining extrusion (at temperature of 115 and 130 °C; screw speeds of 16, [...] Read more.

Processed wheat bran (W) is of great importance for food and feed. Consequently, the biosafety of W should be evaluated and improved with valorisation strategies. This study tested a design combining extrusion (at temperature of 115 and 130 °C; screw speeds of 16, 20, and 25 rpm) and fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum and L. uvarum strains for the valorisation of W to provide safer food and feed stock. The influence of different treatments on biogenic amine formation, mycotoxin content, and free amino acids, as well as acidity, microbiological parameters, and sugar concentration, were analysed. This research showed that a combination of extrusion and fermentation with selected strains can change several aspects of W characteristics. There was a significant effect of applied treatments on acidity and the microbiological parameters of W, as well as biogenic amines content. The lowest total mycotoxin concentration (29.8 µg/kg) was found in extruded (130 °C; 25 rpm) and fermented with L. uvarum sample. Finally, the combination of the abovementioned treatments can be confirmed as a prospective innovative pre-treatment for W, capable of potentially enhancing their safety characteristics and composition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Decontamination and Adsorption)

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16 pages, 2767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Selected Cooking Ingredients for Nixtamalization on the Reduction of Fusarium Mycotoxins in Maize and Sorghum

by Julianah Olayemi Odukoya, Sarah De Saeger, Marthe De Boevre, Gabriel Olaniran Adegoke, Kris Audenaert, Siska Croubels, Gunther Antonissen, Karel Vermeulen, Sefater Gbashi and Patrick Berka Njobeh

Toxins 2021, 13(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13010027 - 4 Jan 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3699

Abstract

Although previous studies have reported the use of nixtamalization for mycotoxins reduction in maize, the efficacy of calcium hydroxide and other nixtamalization cooking ingredients for mycotoxin reduction/decontamination in sorghum and other cereals still need to be determined. The current study investigated the effect [...] Read more.

Although previous studies have reported the use of nixtamalization for mycotoxins reduction in maize, the efficacy of calcium hydroxide and other nixtamalization cooking ingredients for mycotoxin reduction/decontamination in sorghum and other cereals still need to be determined. The current study investigated the effect of five nixtamalization cooking ingredients (wood ashes, calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and calcium chloride) on the reduction of Fusarium mycotoxins in artificially contaminated maize and sorghum using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. All tested cooking ingredients effectively reduced levels of mycotoxins in the contaminated samples with reduction initiated immediately after the washing step. Except for the calcium chloride nixtamal, levels of fumonisin B₁, B_2, and B₃ in the processed sorghum nixtamal samples were below the limit of detection. Meanwhile, the lowest pH values were obtained from the maize (4.84; 4.99), as well as sorghum (4.83; 4.81) nejayote and nixtamal samples obtained via calcium chloride treatment. Overall, the results revealed that the tested cooking ingredients were effective in reducing the target mycotoxins. In addition, it pointed out the potential of calcium chloride, though with reduced effectiveness, as a possible greener alternative cooking ingredient (ecological nixtamalization) when there are environmental concerns caused by alkaline nejayote. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Decontamination and Adsorption)

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Review

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15 pages, 2513 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Efficacy of Additives for the Mitigation of Aflatoxins in Animal Feed: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

by Oluwatobi Kolawole, Wipada Siri-Anusornsak, Awanwee Petchkongkaw, Julie Meneely and Christopher Elliott

Toxins 2022, 14(10), 707; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14100707 - 15 Oct 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4476

Abstract

The contamination of animal feed with aflatoxins is an ongoing and growing serious issue, particularly for livestock farmers in tropical and subtropical regions. Exposure of animals to an aflatoxin-contaminated diet impairs feed efficiency and increases susceptibility to diseases, resulting in mortality, feed waste, [...] Read more.

The contamination of animal feed with aflatoxins is an ongoing and growing serious issue, particularly for livestock farmers in tropical and subtropical regions. Exposure of animals to an aflatoxin-contaminated diet impairs feed efficiency and increases susceptibility to diseases, resulting in mortality, feed waste, and increased production costs. They can also be excreted in milk and thus pose a significant human health risk. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aim to compare and identify the most effective intervention to alleviate the negative impact of aflatoxins on the important livestock sector, poultry production. Eligible studies on the efficacy of feed additives to mitigate the toxic effect of aflatoxins in poultry were retrieved from different databases. Additives were classified into three categories based on their mode of action and composition: organic binder, inorganic binder, and antioxidant. Moreover, alanine transaminase (ALT), a liver enzyme, was the primary indicator. Supplementing aflatoxin-contaminated feeds with different categories of additives significantly reduces serum ALT levels (p < 0.001) compared with birds fed only a contaminated diet. Inorganic binder (P-score 0.8615) was ranked to be the most efficient in terms of counteracting the toxic effect of aflatoxins, followed by antioxidant (P-score 0.6159) and organic binder (P-score 0.5018). These findings will have significant importance for farmers, veterinarians, and animal nutrition companies when deciding which type of additives to use for mitigating exposure to aflatoxins, thus improving food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in developing countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Decontamination and Adsorption)

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17 pages, 413 KiB

Open AccessReview

Physical and Chemical Methods for Reduction in Aflatoxin Content of Feed and Food

by Péter Sipos, Ferenc Peles, Dóra Lili Brassó, Béla Béri, Tünde Pusztahelyi, István Pócsi and Zoltán Győri

Toxins 2021, 13(3), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13030204 - 12 Mar 2021

Cited by 92 | Viewed by 10692

Abstract

Aflatoxins (AFs) are among the most harmful fungal secondary metabolites imposing serious health risks on both household animals and humans. The more frequent occurrence of aflatoxins in the feed and food chain is clearly foreseeable as a consequence of the extreme weather conditions [...] Read more.

Aflatoxins (AFs) are among the most harmful fungal secondary metabolites imposing serious health risks on both household animals and humans. The more frequent occurrence of aflatoxins in the feed and food chain is clearly foreseeable as a consequence of the extreme weather conditions recorded most recently worldwide. Furthermore, production parameters, such as unadjusted variety use and improper cultural practices, can also increase the incidence of contamination. In current aflatoxin control measures, emphasis is put on prevention including a plethora of pre-harvest methods, introduced to control Aspergillus infestations and to avoid the deleterious effects of aflatoxins on public health. Nevertheless, the continuous evaluation and improvement of post-harvest methods to combat these hazardous secondary metabolites are also required. Already in-use and emerging physical methods, such as pulsed electric fields and other nonthermal treatments as well as interventions with chemical agents such as acids, enzymes, gases, and absorbents in animal husbandry have been demonstrated as effective in reducing mycotoxins in feed and food. Although most of them have no disadvantageous effect either on nutritional properties or food safety, further research is needed to ensure the expected efficacy. Nevertheless, we can envisage the rapid spread of these easy-to-use, cost-effective, and safe post-harvest tools during storage and food processing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Decontamination and Adsorption)

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