Abstract
This chapter discusses the potential ability of probiotic bacteria to bind aflatoxin, a toxin produced by Aspergillus species of fungi where long-term exposure to this food contaminant is linked to the development of liver cancer. Its mechanism is unclear, but it is said that aflatoxin binds to the bacterial cell wall or its associated component and involves a physical attachment rather than through a metabolism process. Findings from in vitro studies, animal models, and human clinical trials indicated the applicability of probiotic bacteria as preventive agents to limit human dietary aflatoxin exposure. Although its use in humans is still in its infancy stage, and further studies to investigate its efficacy are warranted, probiotic bacteria as functional food are an immense value in the area of detoxification and decontamination biotechnology.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
