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A Review of Research Progress on the Microbial or Enzymatic Degradation and Mechanism of Aflatoxin B1

Summary

Aflatoxin B1 is a dangerous toxin found in contaminated cereals and food products that can cause serious diseases including liver cancer. Scientists have discovered that certain bacteria and fungi can naturally break down this toxin into less harmful substances through their enzymes. This review summarizes different microorganisms and enzymes that can degrade aflatoxin B1, explaining how they work and what safe products they create, offering hope for safer food storage and treatment.

Background

Aflatoxins are highly toxic secondary metabolites produced by toxigenic Aspergillus species and pose significant threats to human and animal health through their carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic properties. Cereals and food products are primary targets for aflatoxin contamination, causing substantial economic losses to the livestock and food industries. Current physical and chemical degradation methods have limitations due to high costs, nutrient loss, and safety concerns.

Objective

This review aims to summarize AFB1-degrading microorganisms including bacteria, actinomycetes, proteobacteria, and fungi, and to provide an overview of their degradation mechanisms and products. The study seeks to provide a reference for biological degradation of AFB1 and promote further research in this area.

Results

Multiple bacterial genera (Bacillus, Actinomycetes, γ-Proteobacteria) and fungi (Aspergillus, Basidiomycota) possess AFB1 degradation abilities. Key enzymes identified include laccases, peroxidases, reductases, and lactonases that degrade AFB1 through oxidative, reductive, or hydrolytic pathways. Degradation products typically show significantly reduced toxicity and mutagenicity compared to AFB1.

Conclusion

Microbial and enzymatic degradation represents a promising, environmentally friendly approach for AFB1 detoxification with potential industrial applications. Future research should focus on structural identification of degradation products, toxicity analysis, development of economical extraction methods for key enzymes, and application of genetic engineering technologies to improve degradation efficiency and enzyme stability.
  • Published in:Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMC12375543, PMID: 40825675
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