Abstract Description

Foods and feeds contamination with toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and its metabolite aflatoxin (AFB1) is a major health concern for humans and animals, particularly in developing countries. It poses health risks to both humans and animals. Because of the hazardous effects of AFB1, detoxification approaches with preventive and remedial strategies are essential. This study assessed the antifungal properties of ten potential probiotics, lactic acid bacteria belonging to the genus Enterococcus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, and Weissella against A. flavus and AFB1. The activities of bacterial cells and cell-free supernatant (CFS) against A. flavus were evaluated using an agar well diffusion assay. Efficient growth inhibition of A. flavus was observed in all the strains with bacterial cells. Crude CFSs were less effective in inhibiting fungal growth, while Weissella viridescens A03m and Enterococcus durans A015M were able to inhibit the growth of A. flavus in neutralised cell-free supernatants. After 48 hours of incubation with AFB1, it was discovered that LAB strains will withstand and effectively break down AFB1 (100%) in MRS broth. UPLC-MS/MS detected no presence of AFB1 in any of the samples. Probiotic LAB has the potential for industry applications as additives for detoxifications in foods and feeds.