Background: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-AFB1 effect of the postbiotics under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most hazardous mycotoxins with strong carcinogenic and toxic effects, posing a serious threat to food safety and public health. To reduce mycotoxin contamination, the use of postbiotics obtained from probiotic bacteria, particularly Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, has emerged as a promising biotherapeutic strategy. Methods: Postbiotics from L. plantarum were tested for AFB1 reduction under simulated GI conditions (gastric pH: 2.5, intestinal pH: 7.5). AFB1 levels were quantified by ELISA. In addition, metabolites were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and cytotoxicity was assessed in HEK293 cells by methyl thiazole tetrazolium assay. Finally, the effects of pH (2–9) and temperature (25–100 °C) on AFB1-reduction activity underwent evaluation. Results: The postbiotic decreased AFB1 levels dose-dependently, ranging from 13% at 0.625 mg/mL to 86% at 10 mg/mL (P<0.05). Cell viability remained above 84% at all tested concentrations. Moreover, activity was maintained across a pH range of 2–9, with optimal reduction at a pH level of 7–7.5, and was most effective at physiological temperatures (25–37 °C). Ultimately, a minor reduction in efficacy was observed under extreme pH and high temperatures. Conclusion: Overall, L. plantarum postbiotics can effectively reduce AFB1 under simulated GI conditions while demonstrating low cytotoxicity. This suggests these postbiotics can be useful for improving food safety.
Asgharzadeh et al. (Mon,) studied this question.