Aflatoxin B₁ Degradation by Ery4 Laccase: From In Vitro to Contaminated Corn.

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Biotechnology
• Mycology

Background:

• Aflatoxins (AFs) are toxic fungal metabolites contaminating food and feed globally.
• Climate change is projected to increase AFs occurrence in regions like western Europe.
• Ensuring food and feed safety necessitates developing green technologies for AFs reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of Ery4 laccase in reducing AFB1 contamination.
• To evaluate the application of Ery4 laccase in artificially contaminated corn.
• To identify AFs degradation products and assess treatment impacts on the corn matrix.

Main Methods:

• In vitro analysis of Ery4 laccase, acetosyringone, ascorbic acid, and dehydroascorbic acid.
• Application of enzymatic treatment to artificially AFB1-contaminated corn.
• Detection and identification of degradation products using UHPLC-HRMS.

Main Results:

• Complete removal of AFB1 (0.1 µg/mL) in vitro.
• A 26% reduction in AFB1 levels in contaminated corn.
• Identification of several AF degradation products, including AFQ1 and AFM1.
• No alteration in protein content; slight increases in lipid peroxidation and H2O2.

Conclusions:

• Ery4 laccase demonstrates potential as a green technology for AFB1 reduction in corn.
• Further research is needed to optimize AFB1 reduction and minimize treatment impacts.
• Enzymatic degradation offers a promising, environmentally friendly approach to mitigate AF contamination.