Aflatoxin B1 Concentration Research Articles

Impact of Bioactive Ingredients on the Fecal Excretion of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A in Wistar Rats

This study evaluates the effects of fermented whey (FW) and pumpkin (P) on the excretion of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in rats using immunoaffinity column cleanup and high-performance liquid chromatography–fluorescence detection (IAC-LC-FLD). The method achieved detection limits of 0.1 µg/kg for AFB1 and 0.3 µg/kg for OTA, with recovery rates ranging from 72–92% for AFB1 and 88–98% for OTA. A fecal analysis of 100 rats showed peak AFB1 concentrations of 418 µg/kg and OTA of 1729 µg/kg. In the toxin-exposed groups, OTA levels were higher than AFB1, with males in the OTA-only group showing significantly higher OTA (1729 ± 712 µg/kg) than females (933 ± 512 µg/kg). In the AFB1-only group, the fecal levels were 52 ± 61 µg/kg in males and 91 ± 77 µg/kg in females. The AFB1 + FW group showed notable AFB1 concentrations (211 ± 51 µg/kg in males, 230 ± 36 µg/kg in females). The FW + P combination further influenced excretion, with higher AFB1 and OTA levels. These findings suggest that FW and P modulate mycotoxin excretion and may play a role in mycotoxin detoxification, providing insight into dietary strategies to reduce mycotoxin exposure and its harmful effects.

Degradation of aflatoxin B1 in corn by water-assisted microwave irradiation and its kinetic.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic mycotoxin commonly found in corn. In this work, water-assisted microwave irradiation (WMI1) was used to degrade AFB1 in corn, during which the influencing factors and kinetics of AFB1 degradation were also studied. The results showed that the degree of corn crushing, the heating rate of WMI, the temperature of WMI, the solid-liquid ratio, the initial content of AFB1 and the microwave power were all important factors affecting the degradation of AFB1. With the increase of WMI temperature, AFB1 content in corn, microwave power and the decrease of solid-liquid ratio, the degradation rate of AFB1 in corn by WMI rose continuously. Its maximum degradation rate was more than 90.6%. Meanwhile, the degradation kinetics of AFB1 in corn revealed that the degradation process of WMI followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic equation. It was demonstrated that water molecules not only acted as solvents for AFB1 but also actively participated in its degradation process within corn samples during WMI treatment. Consequently, the results indicated that WMI was an effective method for degrading AFB1 in corn.

Effect of dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma treatment on the nutritional quality of ground pistachios

Abstract Pistachios are easily infected with aflatoxin B1(AFB1), and the AFB1 content in pistachios can be effectively degraded by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) cold plasma (CP). In this study, the physicochemical indexes, fatty acid composition and the shelf life of the CP-treated pistachios were evaluated. It was aimed to investigate the effect of CP treatment on the nutritional quality of pistachios containing AFB1. The results showed that pistachios treated with the CP, the protein, acid value and peroxide value of pistachios had no significant changes, the GABA content increased, the flavonoid content decreased significantly, and the ratio of ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acids was closer to the recommended value of 4:1. It can be predicted that the shelf life of pistachios can be extended to 30 d, 30 d and 21 d by establishing the first order kinetic equation based on the moisture, acid value and peroxide value respectively. It illustrates that pistachios treated with the CP had improved nutritional quality, including internal morphology, active ingredient content and colour, which can not only reduce toxicity but also achieve a better preservation effect.

Investigation of nutritional content and aflatoxin B1 in landraces and varieties of Ethiopian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Aflatoxins, a group of toxic compounds produced by certain Aspergillus species, pose significant health risks due to their strong carcinogenic properties. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is susceptible to aflatoxin contamination both pre- and post-harvest. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional content and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels in various landraces and varieties of Ethiopian groundnut. Groundnut germplasm was collected from three key regions: Gamo zone, Haramaya University (Haramaya), and Werer Agricultural Research Center (Werer). Key parameters, including individual seed weight (ISW), kernel colonization by Aspergillus flavus, total carbohydrates, protein, total free amino acids, and AFB1 content, were analyzed. The results revealed significant variation (P < 0.05) among the landraces and varieties. The groundnut varieties from Haramaya exhibited significantly higher mean ISW. All five varieties from Haramaya showed zero percent kernel colonization by A. flavus, indicating certain level of resistance. Landraces from Gamo zone were found to be rich in total carbohydrates and total free amino acids. AFB1 levels, determined using indirect competitive ELISA, ranged from 1.84 ppb to 6.89 ppb. While four landraces from Gamo, two varieties from Haramaya, and five varieties from Werer met the European Union’s AFB1 safety threshold (2 ppb), the remaining germplasm exceeded this limit, posing health and trade concerns. No relationship was found between nutritional content and AFB1 levels; however, a significant correlation was observed between kernel colonization and AFB1 content, suggesting kernel colonization could serve as a cost-effective proxy for estimating AFB1 contamination in groundnuts.

Prevalence and Environmental Determinants of Aflatoxin Contamination in Maize Sold in Open Markets Across Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This study evaluated the prevalence of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) in maize sold across 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, and examined how environmental factors contribute to fungal growth and mycotoxin production. Maize samples (130) were subjected to total heterotrophic fungal count (THFC) analysis using standard microbiological methods, while aflatoxin levels were measured using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) combined with densitometry. Statistical methods, including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression modeling, were utilized to clarify spatial contamination trends and identify environmental variables that could predict contamination. The findings revealed significant aflatoxin contamination, with 85.4% of samples surpassing the 20-ppb safety limit set by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Aspergillus flavus, the main producer of aflatoxin B1, was found in 94% of the samples, followed by Fusarium verticillioides (71%) and Aspergillus niger (59%). Regression analysis showed a strong correlation (r = 0.710, P&lt;0.001) between fungal load and AFB1 levels, with humidity explaining 41.1% of the variability in THFC. The highest AFB1 concentration (137.10 ± 15.10 ppb) was found in Doma, while Lafia showed consistently lower contamination levels, likely due to better post-harvest handling practices. This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to reduce aflatoxin contamination, such as rapid drying, hermetic storage systems, and educating farmers on preventing fungal growth. It also recommends implementing aflatoxin surveillance programs and researching resistant maize varieties to improve food safety and public health in Nasarawa State.

Detection of aflatoxin B1 level and revelation of its dynamic accumulation process using visible/near-infrared hyperspectral and microscopic imaging.

Understanding and controlling the dynamic process of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) accumulation by Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) remains challenging. In this study, the A. flavus development and AFB1 accumulation were investigated using visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) on culture media, Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), PDA+l-glutamine (Gln), and PDA+rapamycin (RAPA). In addition, the levels of AFB1 in various heterogeneous regions of colonies were measured and their microscopic morphology was characterized. In the temporal and spatial domains, fungal colonies exhibited a concentric circular response pattern. A continuous increase in AFB1 content was observed in the PDA and PDA+Gln groups as culture time increased. The growth of A. flavus and aflatoxin accumulation were promoted by adding Gln to PDA. However, adding RAPA inhibited the development of fungi and the production of AFB1. The distribution of AFB1 across the fungal colony was uneven, and this heterogeneity was associated with the aging and autolysis of the hyphae. Principal component analysis showed that spectral bands of 480, 623, 674, 726nm were related to the color changes of hyphae and spores during colony growth; however, wavelengths of 840, 882, 867, 972nm were key bands related to changes in nutritional composition. Multiple preprocessing techniques and modeling methods employed to construct regression models for predicting AFB1 contents showed that the first-derivative and partial least squares regression (PLSR) provided the best results. A visualization map of AFB1 levels established using the optimal model showed a spatial pattern similar to the measurement results. This study highlights the application potential of Vis/NIR HSI for monitoring A. flavus growth and AFB1 content.

Switch-Type Electrochemiluminescence Aptasensor for AFB1 Detection Based on CoS Quantum Dots Encapsulated in Co-LDH and a Ferrocene Quencher.

Among the various aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) assays, performing accurate detection is difficult because false positives and false negatives are frequent due to limited sensitivity, expensive equipment, or inadequate pretreatment during operation. Here, an "off-on" switch-type electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor armed with cobalt-sulfur quantum dots was encapsulated in hollow cobalt-layered double hydroxide nanocages as an enhanced luminescent probe (Co-LDH@QDs), and a ferrocene-modified aptamer (Fc-APT) was used as a luminescent quencher. In general, when Fc-APT was hybridized with complementary DNA modified with a DNA nanotetrahedron, electron transfer between ferrocene and Co-LDH@QDs was facilitated, leading to efficient quenching of the ECL intensity into an "off" state in the absence of AFB1. In the presence of AFB1, the intensity of ECL increased with an increasing AFB1 concentration after Fc-APT specifically recognized that AFB1 was detached from the electrode interface to achieve an "on" state. The linear range of the proposed ECL aptasensor for AFB1 detection was 0.1 pg mL-1 to 10 ng mL-1, with a detection limit of 0.03 pg mL-1. We successfully employed the proposed ECL aptasensor for corn application, which provides an economical and simple alternative to complex and costly enzyme-linked immunoassays. The switch-type ECL aptasensor provides quick, accurate, and prospective technological support for pinpoint management of food safety.

Effects of different additives on fermentation quality, mycotoxin concentrations, and microbial communities in high-moisture corn kernels during wet storage.

The moisture content of corn kernels at harvest in China is relatively high, and wet storage effectively preserves high-moisture corn kernels. However, ensuring effective fermentation during storage is crucial. To address this, we systematically investigated the variations in fermentation quality, mycotoxin concentrations, and microbial community composition under different additive treatments. The treatments included CK (control, deionized water), LAB homo- and hetero-lactic acid bacteria: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Weissella confusa MF01, and EN (cellulase), followed by 60 and 90 days of fermentation. The results indicated that both LAB and EN treatments significantly reduced the concentrations of deoxynivalenol (DON), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and zearalenone (ZEN) compared to CK during the wet storage of high-moisture corn kernels. LAB treatment notably increased lactic and acetic acid levels, decreased pH and NH3-N content, and improved crude protein (CP, 8.24% DM) and starch content (73.01% DM) compared to CK. LAB treatment also reduced water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content (5.05% DM). Microbial diversity was reduced in the LAB treatment, as evidenced by decreases in both common and unique operational taxonomic units, while the relative abundance of Weissella increased after 60 days compared to CK. In contrast, despite higher lactic and acetic acid levels in the EN treatment, the pH did not decrease significantly due to higher NH3-N content. Overall, the LAB treatment outperformed other treatments by achieving lower mycotoxin concentrations, better fermentation quality, and superior preservation of nutritional components. This study provides valuable theoretical support and practical guidance for improving the wet storage of high-moisture corn kernels and enhancing their safety and nutritional value during storage.

Mycobiota Isolation and Exposure Assessment of Mycotoxins in Seeds of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of mycotoxin and mycobiota contamination in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.; also known as Bajra) seeds that were gathered from the foothills and rain-fed areas of India Rohilkhand region. Ten samples of pearl millet seeds were collected immediately from the main millet-producing areas in the district. The mycobiota was isolated using the agar plate method, and the amounts of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin were determined using thin-layer chromatography and fluorescence detection instruments. Six fungal species were detected in seed samples: Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium verrucosum, Fusarium equiseti, Alternaria alternata, Helminthosporium, and Rhizopus stolonifer. In every location that was investigated, A. flavus was one of the most often detected contaminations in both fresh and preserved seeds. The two least common fungi were Helminthosporium and Fusarium. On average, the pathogen was detected in 27.6% of the samples of pearl millet. Of all the samples, Rajaram-Nawabganj (S9), Ashok- Nawabganj, and Rajaram-Nawabganj (S9) showed the highest rates of germination (97.3%), whereas Kamal-Bhuta (S5) had the lowest rate of 28.0% for pearl millet. The major fungus, mycobiota, produces the toxic secondary metabolic products, AFB1 and ochratoxin A (OTA). Fifty percent of the millet samples had OTA and 60% had AFB1. For OTA and AFB1, the contaminated samples had mean amounts of these mycotoxins ranging from 3.1 to 52.46 μg/kg and 0.63-61.13 μg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of AFB1 and OTA were found to be 3.89 and 3.76 ng/kg b.w. each day, respectively. . KEYWORDS :Mycobiota, Mycotoxins, Pearl millet

Dietary factors and aflatoxin b1 carcinogenecity in fish.

Impact of dietary intakes on internal physiology of the living system either progressive or retrogressive, hardly need any explanation . It may thus be assumed that a fish population being reared on a diet with specific biochemical profile is bound to express specific response if at all, mycobial Contaminants like aflatoxins are present in the diet. The fact may be put another way that the toxicological/ carcinogenic manifestations of aflatoxins may be induced or suppressed under the influence of dietary intakes. In this backdrop, the present study was conducted on Channapunctatus, an air-breathing teleost, to evaluated the impact of fatty acids present in cotton seed cake. Three groups of experimental fish were subjected to three different concentration of aflatoxin B1 (15,30 and 45 ppm) reared separately under standard feed formulation added with cotton seed oil cake.Observation were made on day 30, 60 and 90. The findings revealed that the cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPFA), one of the natural constituent present in triglyceride fraction of the fat of cotton plant synergistically act with aflatoxin B1 enhancing the carcinogenic influence of the toxin.. KEYWORDS :Aflatoxin B1, Dietary factor, Cyclopropenoid fatty acid, Channapunctatus)

Dietary intake of soya flour synergistically influences carcinogenic action in fish, Channa punctatus.

Influence of dietary intake on Physiological and biochemical status of the living being is an established fact. Similarly, certain Micronutrients associated with the biochemical component of parent products and their byproducts are often deleterious to the Consumers. A classical example is Cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPFA), a natural constituent present in triglyceride fraction of the fat of cotton plants. It acts Synergistically with aflatoxin B1, if at all present in the diet due to infestation of some toxic fungi A. flavus and A.parasiticus. Studies on Channa punctatus, an air breathing teleost administered with three concentrations of pure crystalline aflatoxin B1( 15, 30 and 45 ppm) intraperitonially and reared on standard diet formulation (SDF) added with Soya flour (SF) Supplements. In contrast, the pathological lesions in the group reared on Soya flour supplement was almost comparable to the control group receiving similar concentration of aflatoxinB1 and reared on SDF. The Soya flour is usually used as dietary supplement for pets and livestock in order to meat protein requirements from the left out amount of the oil following extraction. In particular, the findings gain significance on account of the fact that the Soya flour (SF) is one of the major ingredientsof aqua culture feed formulation all through the country.. KEYWORDS :Dietary factors , Aflatoxin B1, Synergistic Action, Carcinogenicity.

A label-free colorimetric aptasensor for sensitive detection of aflatoxin B1 in peanuts based on dual catalytic hairpin assembly

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is considered one of the most toxic and carcinogenic substances. Developing sensitive and accurate methods for detecting AFB1 in foodstuffs remains a major challenge. Herein, a label-free colorimetric aptasensor was constructed for the detection of AFB1 in peanuts, utilizing dual catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) for signal amplification. Where, the recognition of AFB1 by its aptamer (Apta) induces the formation of an Apta-AFB1 complex, causing the trigger chain (T) to release from the Apta-T complex. The released T triggers the first CHA reaction in the presence of hairpins H1, H2, and H3, producing H1-H2-H3 complexes. Each sticky end of these complexes serves as the initiating strand for the second CHA cycle, exposing a G-rich sequence from H5 that induces the formation of a G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme. This DNAzyme catalyzes the H2O2-mediated oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), resulting in a color change. Under optimal conditions, the colorimetric signal is linearly related to the logarithm of AFB1 concentration in the range of 50 pM to 1.1 nM, with a detection limit of 13.49 pM. The spiked recoveries for AFB1 in peanuts range from 95.28 % to 104.50 %. This aptasensor provides a sensitive and accurate method for detecting trace amounts of AFB1, which is crucial for ensuring food safety.

The Effective Sorting Technologies for Reducing Aflatoxins in Nuts and Dried Figs in Turkey

Background: RASFF notifications serve to determine the hazards responsible for food and feed. In case of determining risks to human health, the information provided to member countries via the rapid alarm system at the same time warned us to take the necessary measures. Objectives: In this research, the RASFF portal alerts over the last three years related to aflatoxins in hazelnut, fig, and peanut products were examined. The impact of image processing technologies on lowering the danger of aflatoxins in shelled hazelnuts and dried figs was also investigated, as well as Critical Control Points (CCPs) on aflatoxin hazard. Methods: The RASFF database was used in the RASFF Window portal and analyzed for aflatoxin alerts. ISO 22000:2018 was used for hazard and risk analysis for raw hazelnut, peanut, and fig products. Aflatoxin analyses were performed according to the AOAC 2000/991.31 method. Prior to and after hazelnut sorting methods, levels of aflatoxin were measured. Besides, aflatoxin contamination in peanuts harvesting in 2023 years from three local producers in Turkey was studied. Results: The number of RASFF notifications for hazelnuts, peanuts/groundnuts, dried figs, and their products for the period of 03/01/2020 to 01/06/2023 were 84, 283 and 173, respectively. As a result of HACCP implementation, especially for aflatoxin hazard management, optical-laser-manual sorting and aflatoxin detection using UV light stages are accepted as CCPs. When nuts were sorted using optical and laser systems were detected decreasing total aflatoxin levels. The mean value of Aflatoxin B1(AFB1) and total aflatoxins were reduced from 7.80±1.08 and 13.56±1.06 to 3.63±0.39 and 7.21±0.71, respectively. 79.16% of all sorted samples were found to comply with legal limits. Investigated peanut samples for aflatoxin B1 contents were found between 5.63 and 27.75 µg kg-1 in 19.5%. Conclusion: The alerts based on aflatoxin contamination above legal limits have been carried on for nuts and dried figs. The physical sorting methods using optical selection and high-resolution laser sensor systems aflatoxin-contaminated nuts from healthy nuts applied for in-shell Turkish nut sorting were able to assess the quality of the batch studied, and the systems were assigned significantly effective to reduce aflatoxin contents. Food business operators in Turkey, which is among the countries exporting agricultural and food products to the European Union (EU), have tended to prefer the most advanced technologies. Efficacies of reduction of aflatoxin by different physical and other (such as imaging, X-ray and acoustic, audio signals and hyperspectral images of moldy natural nuts etc.) methods will be developed in the near future.

Occurrence and levels of aflatoxin contamination in poultry feed ingredients and layer mash in farms and feed mills in Ghana

The study assessed the incidence and contamination levels of total aflatoxins (TAF) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in feed ingredients and compound layer mash from six regions in Ghana. Thirty-five facilities comprising commercial poultry farms and feed mills were used in the study. There was 100% incidence of TAF and AFB1 in the samples of layer mash and feed ingredients (maize, soybean meal and wheat bran). The TAF of layer mash, maize and soybean meal (55.2, 54.0 and 47.6 µgkg-1, respectively) were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) than TAF of wheat bran (28.6 µgkg-1). Most of the layer mash, soybean meal and wheat bran samples had TAF concentrations exceeding the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) maximum limit of 20 µgkg-1. Mean TAF concentrations in layer mash and maize samples were strongly and positively correlated (r = 0.50; P &lt; 0.018). Layer mash, maize and soybean meal had significantly higher (P&lt; 0.05) AFB1 concentrations (33.0, 35.1, 26.5 µgkg-1, respectively) when compared to wheat bran (13.8 µgkg-1). Most layer mash and maize samples exceeded the European Commission’s maximum limits of 20 and 50 µgkg-1 respectively for AFB1. Mean AFB1 concentrations in layer mash and maize samples were strongly and positively correlated (r = 0.54; P = 0.01). High aflatoxins contamination of poultry feed is a persistent problem in Ghana. The use of toxin-binders, education of poultry farmers and feed millers on the implication of aflatoxins contamination in poultry feeds and the enforcement of regulation by Ghana’s food and drugs authority is recommended.

Recovery of AFB1 intrinsic fluorescence in vegetable oils with continuous variations in matrices by theoretical analysis and experiments

The fluorescence characteristics of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) have enabled the development of an effective and non-destructive screening method for AFB1 in agro-products using fluorescence spectroscopy. However, the complex and varied matrices present in most foodstuffs can significantly distort the intrinsic fluorescence of AFB1. In this study, the absorption and scattering properties of vegetable oils were obtained using double integrating spheres (DIS), and fluorescence intensity was obtained using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technique. A six-parameter analytical model has been developed to recover AFB1 intrinsic fluorescence based on the absorption and scattering features at excitation (375 nm) and emission (424 nm) wavelengths employing a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN). Prediction models for AFB1 concentration in vegetable oils with gradient variations of matrices were calibrated using the disturbed and recovered intrinsic fluorescence intensity, respectively. The models were validated and compared to demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of the proposed method.

The concentration and prevalence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in imported rice (Oryza sativa) samples from Iranian market: a probabilistic dietary risk assessment

ABSTRACT This investigation aimed to measure the concentrations of total aflatoxin (AFT), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and ochratoxin A (OTA) in imported rice samples to Iran and conduct a probabilistic health risk assessment for consumers. Three thousand seven hundred fifty-one imported rice samples were randomly collected from March 2022 to April 2024. The AFT, AFB1, and OTA concentrations were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography with a flame ionisation detector (HPLC-FID) and an ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV). The ranking of mycotoxins based on mean concentration in rice was as follows: AFT (3.996 ± 6.925 µg/kg) > AFB1 (2.648 ± 5.746 µg/kg) > OTA (0.088 ± 0.847 µg/kg). The prevalence of these mycotoxins was found to be AFT present in 897 out of 3,710 samples (24.18%), AFB1 in 657 samples (17.52%), and OTA in 40 samples (1.07%). Significant correlations were observed between AFT and AFB1 (C: 0.96, p-value < 0.001), AFT and OTA (C: 0.28, p-value < 0.001), and AFB1 and OTA (C: 0.15, p-value < 0.001). The 95th percentile of the Margin of Exposure (MOE) for AFB1 in adult and child consumers was 0.930 and 0.270, respectively, while the Hazard Quotient (HQ) for OTA in adults and children was 0.030 and 0.100, respectively. The estimated cancer risk percentages for AFB1 in rice were 22.220 for adults and 43.500 for children. Overall, consuming imported rice containing AFT, AFB1, and OTA does not pose a significant non-carcinogenic risk to consumers’ health. However, the carcinogenic risk in Iran is higher than in other countries. Therefore, it is recommended that more effective and continuous monitoring programmes be implemented to ensure the quality of imported rice.

Effects Of Aflatoxin B1-Contaminated Diets On Growth Performance, Haematological, And Physiological Health In Broilers

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in poultry feed significantly threatens broiler health and performance. This study investigated the effects of different levels of AFB1 (0%, 25%, 35%, 45%, and 55%) on growth performance and hematological parameters in broiler diets. The experiment was structured as a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatment groups, each having three replicates: Group A (0.025 ppm AFB1), Group B (0.035 ppm AFB1), Group C (0.045 ppm AFB1), Group D (0.055 ppm AFB1), and Group E (Control, 0% AFB1). Weekly measurements included body weight (BW), feed conversion ratio (FCR), growth rate (GR), total feed intake (TFI), and hematological indices (HMI). Body weight was recorded weekly, feed intake was tracked daily, and FCR was calculated by dividing total feed intake by total weight gain. Blood samples were taken at weeks 5 and 10 for hematological analysis using the haemacytometer method. Broilers fed diets containing higher concentrations of AFB1 showed marked reductions in final body weight, with birds on the control diet (0% AFB1) gaining the most weight (1.69 kg), compared to 1.24 kg, 1.10 kg, 0.92 kg, and 0.76 kg for the 25%, 35%, 45%, and 55% AFB1 groups, respectively. Feed intake also significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05) from 19.38 kg (Control) to 9.55 kg (TA) as AFB1 levels increased. Hematological analysis revealed significant decreases (p&lt;0.01) in hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell (RBC) counts in birds fed higher AFB1 concentrations. Birds on the control diet had the highest Hb (12.48 g/dl), PCV (24.73%), and RBC counts (10.34 × 10⁶/ul), while the 55% AFB1 group showed the lowest values. No significant changes were observed in white blood cell (WBC) counts (p&gt;0.05), indicating a less pronounced impact on the immune system. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of AFB1 on broiler growth and blood health, emphasizing the need for stringent aflatoxin control in poultry feed to ensure healthy broiler production.

A preliminary study on the degradation of AFB1 by Tenebrio molitor, Rhizopus oryzae and Trichoderma reesei

Abstract Recently, genus Aspergillus, a fungus capable of producing aflatoxins, secondary highly toxic metabolites, has spread to new areas. These areas became suitable habitats due to the recent climate changes. The use of aflatoxin-contaminated crops is a cause of great concern in guaranteeing food safety and is responsible for major economic losses along the supply chain. For this reason, several strategies have been investigated to utilize these contaminated products as a possible food or feed resource by reducing or eliminating their aflatoxin content, but with limited relevant success. The presented study was aimed to evaluate a combination of biological processes to use aflatoxin B1 contaminated crops for their reintroduction into the production chain. The high tolerance to AFB1 and the apparent lack of accumulation in yellow mealworm larvae, reared on wheat bran substrates, spiked with increasing AFB1 concentration (0, 125, 250, 500 μg/kg) to obtain proteins of high biological value. Subsequently, the aflatoxin-degrading capacity of Rhizopus oryzae and Trichoderma reesei was applied to insect breeding waste (frass) in a fermentation process to ensure further utilization of biohazardous frass as soil conditioner. Individually, each process proven to be able to reduce the AFB1 present by about 80%, while the combination of the two approaches ensured the total degradation of aflatoxin B1-contaminated substrate and frass, which resulted in the possible production of biomass, that could be used for the feed and agricultural industry.

A smartphone-integrated deep learning strategy-assisted rapid detection system for monitoring dual-modal immunochromatographic assay

This study focuses on the integration of a custom-built and optimally trained YOLO v5 model into a smartphone app developed with Java language. A dual-modal immunochromatographic rapid detection system based on a deep learning strategy for smartphones was developed for grade determination and predicting the concentration of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Innovative distance-type quantum dot microsphere fluorescent immunochromatographic chips enable semi-quantitative analysis by naked eye, and conventional colloidal gold nanoparticle colorimetric strips were also prepared. The compact and versatile hardware device making it easily integrable into smartphones of varying dimensions. Moreover, the wireless charging functionality of smartphones was to tackle power supply challenges. After optimized training, the accuracy, mAP@0.5, precision, and recall metrics of the YOLO v5 model all soared to 98 %. For the dual-modal immunochromatographic chips, the R2 values for the standard curve fits were as high as 0.993, with a broad linear range of 0.05–40 ng/mL and a standard deviation lower than 0.03 at each concentration. Finally, this system determined the grade of the AFB1 concentration with an accuracy of up to 98 % and it exhibited an ultra-sensitive quantitative detection capability with a limit of detection as low as 2.2 pg/mL, showcasing the reliability of the deep learning strategy for practical applications in smartphones. This robust technological foundation paves the way for potentially community-based, family-oriented, and personalized applications.

AFB1-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles for AFB1 quantification based on aptamer-regulated release of SERS reporter

In this study, we propose a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method for quantifying aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). This method relies on the target-triggered release of a SERS reporter from aptamer-sealed aminated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). These MSNs were synthesized to accommodate 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid (4-MPBA) within their well-defined micropores, which were subsequently sealed with AFB1 aptamers. Upon specific binding of AFB1 to its aptamer, the conformational change in the aptamer is regulated by the presence of the target. Consequently, a positive linear relationship between the AFB1 concentration and the 4-MPBA SERS signal was observed. Under optimal conditions, the method exhibited a good linear relationship over the range of 0.1 to 5 ng/mL AFB1, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 ng/mL. This strategy was validated using wheat samples, yielding results comparable to high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector (P > 0.05), confirming its reliability for detecting AFB1 in complex food matrices.