MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

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

Summary

This research explores a new method to protect against harmful food toxins using a natural yeast-based material. Scientists found that processed biomass from the yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium pullulans can effectively bind and neutralize zearalenone, a dangerous toxin that commonly contaminates cereals and animal feed. This discovery could lead to safer food and feed products. Impacts on everyday life: • Safer food products through natural toxin removal • Improved animal feed safety leading to healthier livestock • Potential reduction in food waste due to toxin contamination • More sustainable approach to food safety using natural materials • Economic benefits for farmers and food producers through reduced crop losses

Background

Mycotoxins, including zearalenone (ZEN), are common food and feed contaminants that pose health risks to consumers and animals while causing economic losses in food production. ZEN is a widespread mycotoxin produced by Fusarium molds that contaminate cereals and other crops. It acts as a non-steroidal mycoestrogen with toxic effects on reproductive systems and potential carcinogenic properties. Different preventive strategies are needed to minimize ZEN exposure risks, including methods to decontaminate contaminated materials.

Objective

To determine the zearalenone adsorption ability of an autolyzed biomass preparation from Aureobasidium pullulans A.p.-3 and evaluate its protective effects against ZEN toxicity using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells as a model organism.

Results

The preparation at 5 mg/mL showed high ZEN adsorption capacity, with maximum efficiency (94%) at 1 μg/mL ZEN concentration. Based on the Langmuir model, the predicted maximum ZEN adsorption was approximately 190 µg/mL, regardless of pH. The growth of all tested S. cerevisiae strains was inhibited by high ZEN doses (50 and 100 μg/mL). The A. pullulans preparation showed protective effects against toxic ZEN doses, with the highest yeast cell growth improvement (36%) observed for S. cerevisiae ATCC 9763 strain.

Conclusion

The autolyzed A. pullulans biomass preparation demonstrated efficient ZEN adsorption capabilities and protective effects against ZEN toxicity in yeast cultures. The preparation’s performance was consistent across different pH levels, suggesting potential effectiveness throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Further research is needed to determine precise binding mechanisms and evaluate performance in animal digestive tract models.
  • Published in:Toxins,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/toxins16020105
Scroll to Top