Biodetoxification of both AFB1 and ZEN by Bacillus subtilis ZJ-2019-1 in gastrointestinal environment and in mice

Abstract Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEN) are the most prevalent mycotoxins in production, posing a serious threat to the food and feed industry and resulting in a substantial economic burden. Therefore, finding a safe and efficient method for biodegradation of mycotoxins is of utmost important in addressing this issue. Bacillus subtilis ZJ-2019-1, capable of degrading AFB1 and ZEN, was isolated and cultured in our laboratory in vitro. In this study, we conducted detoxification tests on AFB1 and ZEN using B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 in gastrointestinal environment and in mice, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 can effectively degrade both mycotoxins present in feed within gastrointestinal environment. Following degradation by B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1, the toxicity of the AFB1 and ZEN product decreased compared to their original levels. Furthermore, B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 exhibited excellent detoxification effects on AFB1 and ZEN when tested in mice. These results indicate that B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 possesses the ability to degrade both AFB1 and ZEN, making it suitable for application in the food and feed industry as a means to reduce economic losses caused by mycotoxins.