Influence of Particle Size and Micronization on the Adsorption Efficiency of Aflatoxin B1 by Bentonite in Animal Feed Applications

Key Points

• This research aims to evaluate how different particle sizes of a bentonite clay influence its ability to adsorb aflatoxin B1 from animal feed.
• Characterization of bentonite properties including size fractions (<0.200 mm, <0.037 mm, <0.005 mm)
• In vitro adsorption testing under simulated gastrointestinal conditions
• Measurement of specific surface area, cation exchange capacity, and chemical composition
• The finest bentonite fraction (<0.005 mm) showed the highest adsorption capacity at approximately 240 mg/g.
• Progressive particle size reduction led to increased smectite content and specific surface area up to 50.8 m2/g.
• Only the <0.005 mm fraction met EU standards for aflatoxin-binding feed additives.