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Bioremediation of Aflatoxin B1-Contaminated Maize by King Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii)

Summary

This research demonstrates how king oyster mushrooms can naturally break down dangerous toxins (aflatoxins) that contaminate corn and other crops. The mushrooms convert the contaminated grains into safe, nutritious products while growing normally. This provides a natural solution for dealing with contaminated crops that would otherwise go to waste. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides a way to safely use contaminated grain instead of destroying it – Creates nutritious mushroom products from agricultural waste – Helps reduce food waste and environmental impact – Offers natural method for detoxifying contaminated animal feed – Could help make food supply safer by reducing toxins in animal products

Background

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus that commonly contaminates agricultural commodities, particularly maize. It has potent hepatotoxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on humans and animals. Current solutions for detoxification of contaminated staples and reduction of agricultural wastes are limited.

Objective

To investigate the capability of Pleurotus eryngii (king oyster mushroom) strains to degrade AFB1 both in vitro and in laboratory-scale mushroom cultivation using substrate similar to commercial mushroom farms. Additionally, to assess potential translocation of AFB1 or its metabolite aflatoxicol through fungal tissue to mushroom fruit bodies.

Results

In liquid culture, P. eryngii isolates degraded 81-99% of AFB1 after 10 days and 100% after 30 days. On solid media with wheat straw, degradation was 71-94% after 30 days. In mushroom cultivation, P. eryngii ITEM 13681 degraded up to 86% of AFB1 in contaminated substrate over 28 days with no reduction in mushroom yield or biological efficiency. No AFB1 or aflatoxicol was detected in mushroom fruit bodies.

Conclusion

P. eryngii effectively degrades AFB1 in both liquid and solid media without accumulating toxic metabolites in mushroom tissue. This demonstrates potential for bioconversion of AFB1-contaminated cereals into valuable animal feed products through mushroom cultivation, though further validation is needed for practical implementation.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182574
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