A Novel Microbial Zearalenone Transformation through Phosphorylation

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Mycotoxicology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Zearalenone (ZEA) is a prevalent mycotoxin in agricultural products.
• Controlling ZEA contamination is crucial for food safety and animal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize a microbial agent capable of transforming ZEA.
• To investigate the potential of bacterial transformation for ZEA detoxification.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and identification of a ZEA-transforming bacterium (Bacillus sp. S62-W) from corn silage.
• Detection, purification, and structural elucidation of the transformation product (ZEA-14-phosphate) using HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR.
• Phylogenetic analysis (16S rRNA gene, whole genome) for bacterial identification.
• Screening of additional Bacillus strains for ZEA phosphorylation activity.

Main Results:

• A novel bacterial isolate, Bacillus sp. S62-W, efficiently transformed ZEA into ZEA-14-phosphate (100% within 24h).
• The bacterium exhibits acid tolerance (pH 4.0), operates across a wide temperature range (22-42°C), and tolerates high ZEA concentrations (200 µg/mL).
• Thirteen out of 23 tested Bacillus strains displayed ZEA phosphorylation activity, indicating a conserved metabolic pathway.

Conclusions:

• Bacillus sp. S62-W represents a novel system for ZEA transformation.
• The broad applicability within Bacillus species suggests a conserved detoxification mechanism.
• Further research is needed on ZEA-14-phosphate's metabolism and toxicity for practical applications.