Adsorption of aflatoxin B₁ to corn by-products

The adsorption of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) to natural fiber materials prepared from corn by-products was investigated in this study. The results showed that corn cob powder (CCP) dose, particle size, time (0.25-24 h), temperature (4, 20, 37, 50 and 100 °C) and pH (2-8), had significant effects on adsorption. The maximum adsorption (98%) was with particles 500-355 µm in size at 20 °C for 8 h, at the dose of 50 mg mL^-1. The adsorption fitted pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm well. Besides, CCP had a higher adsorption capacity to AFB₁ than any single cell wall components of corn, which indicated that capillary effect happened in cell wall might be the main reason for adsorption. The results also suggested that CCP could reduce AFB₁ content from both liquid and solid food matrixes. Briefly, CCP displayed promising properties that could be developed in nature-based practical applications for food aflatoxin decontamination.