Effective removal of aflatoxin B1 using modified attapulgite loaded with bacillomycin D from stored peanut kernels

Abstract

Peanut kernels could be easily contaminated by Aspergillus flavus and its mycotoxins. This not only reduced their nutritional and economic value, but also posed a serious threat to human health. In this study, acid-modified attapulgite loaded with bacillomycin D (H-ATP-BD) was used for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) removal in peanut kernels contaminated with A. flavus spores. During storage, H-ATP-BD treatment inhibited mildew of peanut kernels. At 12% moisture content, the H-ATP-BD treatment reduced mildew from 52.3% to 18.2%. Furthermore, the H-ATP-BD could reduce the oxidative decomposition of fatty acids in oilseed products such as peanut kernels, and lower the fatty acid value, peroxide value, and malondialdehyde content during storage, thereby slowing down the decline of peanut kernels quality. H-ATP-BD have been shown to be effective in prolonging the storage life of peanut kernels by both inhibiting mold growth and removing pre-existing mycotoxins. The addition of H-ATP-BD significantly reduced AFB1 content ranging from 61.1% to 85.2%. It was superior to BD as well as acid-modified attapulgite (H-ATP) used alone. Thus, these results suggested that the utilization of H-ATP-BD provided a novel strategy to control mold contamination and detoxification in food products to ensure food safety.