Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays
Published on: April 23, 2012
Fate of Fumonisin B(1) in Naturally Contaminated Corn during Ethanol Fermentation
R J Bothast1, G A Bennett, J E Vancauwenberge
1Fermentation Biochemistry Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604.
Abstract:
Two lots of corn naturally contaminated with fumonisin B(1) (15 and 36 ppm) and a control lot (no fumonisin B(1) detected) were used as substrates for ethanol production in replicate 8.5-liter yeast fermentations. Ethanol yields were 8.8% for both the control and low-fumonisin corn, while the high-fumonisin corn contained less starch and produced 7.2% ethanol. Little degradation of fumonisin occurred during fermentation, and most was recovered in the distillers' grains, thin stillage, and distillers' solubles fractions. No toxin was detected in the distilled alcohol or centrifuge solids. Ethanol fermentation of fumonisin-contaminated corn coupled with effective detoxification of distillers' grains and aqueous stillage is suggested as a practical process strategy for salvaging contaminated corn.
Related Concept Videos
Production of Alcohol
Bioreactor Controls-III
Production of Biopesticides
Microbes in Beverage Production
Batch vs Continuous Culture
