Aflatoxin B1 detoxification by cell-free extracts of Rhodococcus strains

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) produced by Aspergillus molds is a genotoxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin. For the elimination of mycotoxins from food and feed, biodetoxification can be a successful tool. The aim of this study was to reveal biodetoxification with the cell-free extracts of Rhodococcus erythropolis NI1 and Rhodococcus rhodochrous NI2, which have been already proved to detoxify AFB1. Extracellular matrices of cultures and also intracellular extracts were applied for detoxification. In both cases, media containing constitutively produced and AFB1-induced enzymes were tested, respectively. The pH tolerance of enzymes in the detoxification was examined at pH 7, 7.5, and 8. The remained genotoxicity was detected by SOS-Chromotest and the AFB1 concentration was measured by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. In the extracellular matrix, no reduction of genotoxicity was observed. However, detoxification was completed by intracellular enzymes. In intracellular extracts of both strains, genotoxicity was ceased by the constitutive enzymes within 6 h but induced and constitutive enzymes collectively achieved this result within minutes. Moreover, total biodetoxification was observed at every pH adjustment. Analytical results confirmed >84% degradation potential in each sample. Our results indicate a uniquely fast way for the detoxification of AFB1 with intracellular enzymes of R. erythropolis NI1 and R. rhodochrous NI2.