Removal of Alternaria mycotoxins from aqueous solution by inactivated yeast powder

Xiaoyuan Wang1,2, Yike Han1, Lihua Zhang1,2

  • 1Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, School of Food and Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China.

Abstract

Insights

Inactivated yeast cells effectively remove Alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) mycotoxins from solutions. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating partial reversibility and potential for food safety applications.

Area of Science:

  • Food Science
  • Mycology
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) are prevalent mycotoxins in food systems.
  • Alternaria species are common sources of these foodborne contaminants.
  • Effective methods for mycotoxin removal are crucial for food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of inactivated yeast cells in removing AOH and AME from aqueous solutions.
  • To determine the optimal conditions for mycotoxin adsorption by yeast cells.
  • To investigate the adsorption kinetics and reversibility of AOH and AME on yeast biomass.

Main Methods:

  • Testing of three inactivated yeast strains for mycotoxin removal.
  • Optimization of parameters including yeast powder concentration, temperature, and pH.
  • Kinetic modeling using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich models.
  • Conducting a release assay to assess adsorption reversibility.

Main Results:

  • All tested yeast strains demonstrated AOH and AME removal capabilities, with GIM 2.119 being the most effective.
  • Up to 100% reduction of both mycotoxins was achieved using 40 g/L of yeast powder at pH 9.
  • The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best described the adsorption process (R² > 0.989).
  • AOH and AME showed partial elution from yeast cells using methanol and acetonitrile.

Conclusions:

  • Inactivated yeast cells provide an effective means for removing AOH and AME mycotoxins.
  • The adsorption process is best described by pseudo-second-order kinetics and is partially reversible.
  • Findings offer a theoretical foundation for applying yeast-based methods to mitigate mycotoxins in food systems.

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