Effect Of Detoxification Research Articles

Microbial Detoxification of Hexavalent Chromium from Chromium-Containing Slag

In this paper,treatment and recovery of hexavalent chromium(Cr(Ⅵ)) from chromium-containing slag by bacteria was studied.The work showed that a bacterial strains of Ch-1 isolated from chromium-containing slag can efficiently accelerate Cr(Ⅵ) leaching and remove it.Moreover,bacteria Ch-1 can effectively change the structure of chromium-containing slag by Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM) and the Energy Dispersive X-Ray(EDX),which is benefitial to Cr(Ⅵ) leaching and its detoxification by changing Cr(Ⅵ) to Cr(Ⅲ).The effect of detoxification by bacteria of Ch-1 is obvious,the toxicity in leached slag was 3.3 μg/g lower than the national standard of 5 μg/g,and the recovery rates of hexavalent chromium are more than 90%.

Effect of Detoxification on Conformational and Functional Properties of Jatropha curcas Proteins

The effects of detoxification process on conformational and functional properties of Jatropha curcas proteins were investigated. The molecular fractions and structure of proteins were affected more easily by the detoxification process. Compared with the proteins in Jatropha curcas meal, the detoxification process decreased the thermal stability and led to an increase in the surface hydrophobicity with a decrease in the contents of sulfhydryl and disulfide bond of proteins in detoxified Jatropha curcas meal. These conformational sand compositional changes in proteins influenced by the detoxification process, contributed to the relatively good changes in functional properties of detoxified Jatropha curcas meal, such as solubility, water and fat holding capacities, emulsifying properties, and foaming properties. Therefore, the detoxification treatment was not only a promising way to detoxify, but also an effective means to improve the functional properties of detoxified Jatropha curcas meal.

Concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites in the liver of Neisseria meningitidis-infected mice: The effect of bacterial nitric oxide detoxification

Rationale and hypothesis Meningococcal septicaemia is characterised by high bacterial titres in blood and an increased production of circulating nitric oxide metabolites, including nitrates NO 3 - , nitrites NO 2 - and S-nitrosothiol [SNO]. The formation of SNO, termed S-nitrosylation, is an important form of post-translational protein modification akin to phosphorylation. Previously, bacterial NO detoxification was demonstrated to reduce the concentration of host-cell SNO. We hypothesise that bacterial NO detoxification during sepsis interferes with host NO homeostasis within the liver, a vital organ in physiological response to infection, and contributes toward pathogenesis. Objectives 1. To establish an in vivo murine model of acute fulminant meningococcal sepsis. 2. To study the link between bacterial NO detoxification and circulating NO metabolites in murine liver. Methodology Female C57 Bl/6 mice were infected by intraperitoneal injection of wild type Neisseria meningitidis (serogroup B strain MC58) or an isogenic mutant unable to detoxify NO (ΔnorB). Eight hours after infection, livers were extracted and lysates were subjected to ozone-based chemiluminescence-based measurement of multiple NO metabolites. We obtained reproducibly high bacterial titres both in blood and liver lysates. Findings 1. Increased bacterial burden in liver lysates is positively and significantly correlated with hepatic nitrite concentrations NO 2 - (Spearman’s rank correlation, r = 0.5682, p = 0.0020, n = 9), negatively and significantly correlated with the hepatic concentration of all NO [NOx] deriviatives (r = −0.4390, p = 0.0220, n = 9) 2. In an acute fulminant meningococcal sepsis model, the production of NO metabolites was found to be unperturbed by the presence of bacterial NO detoxification machinery (p = 0.2704, n = 9).

Effect of Detoxification of Natural Drying Steam Exploded Corn Straw with Organic Solvent on Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Ethanol Fermentation

Corn straw from steam-explosion treatment process was treated with different organic solvents to reduce the inhibition for the sequent enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. The detoxified substrates (100 g DW/L) were hydrolyzed with a blend of Novozym 188 (15 IU/g cellulose), Celluclast CP cellulase (15 FPU/g cellulose) and lignase (15 IU/g hemicellulose). The reducing sugar was bio-converted to ethanol with separated hydrolysis and fermentation processes using Pachysolen tannophilus P-01. The reducing sugar yield varied from 34.8 to 89.7% depending on the detoxification solvents and modes. The highest ethanol yield (96.1% of theoretical value) was obtained with the combined extraction of ether and acetone.

Valor nutritivo de dietas contendo torta de mamona submetida a métodos alternativos de destoxificação para ovinos

Avaliaram-se o consumo e a digestibilidade de nutrientes por ovinos alimentados com rações contendo torta de mamona sem tratamento (NT), tratadas com calcário calcítico (CC), ureia (UR), fosfato monobicálcico (FOS) e por autoclave (ACL). Foram utilizados 20 ovinos em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, sendo 10 machos inteiros e 10 fêmeas, mestiços de raça Morada Nova. As dietas foram isoproteicas e isoenergéticas. A ricina foi parcialmente desnaturada pelos tratamentos de destoxificação da torta de mamona. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos de destoxificação da torta de mamona sobre o consumo de nutrientes. A digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro no tratamento NT foi de 57,5%, maior que no tratamento CC, de 52,4%. A digestibilidade do extrato etéreo foi mais alta no tratamento CC, média de 71,3%, em relação ao tratamento FOS, de 68,2%. Houve maior consumo de fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido dos machos em relação às fêmeas quando o consumo foi expresso em g/dia. A torta de mamona NT pode ser utilizada em dietas de ovinos como alimento proteico alternativo, participando em até 8% da dieta total, sem ocasionar redução expressiva no consumo e na digestibilidade.

Anticalcification effects of decellularization, solvent, and detoxification treatment for genipin and glutaraldehyde fixation of bovine pericardium

Calcification plays a major role in the failure of bioprosthetic and other tissue heart valve substitutes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anticalcification effect of decellularization and detoxification in glutaraldehyde (GA)/genipin- and solvent-fixed bovine pericardium using a rabbit intramuscular model which is effective for assessing calcification in bioprosthetic tissue. Bovine pericardial tissues were fixed with 0.5% GA/0.4% genipin in organic solvent (75% ethanol + 5% octanol, 75% ethanol + 5% octanediol, or 70% ethanol + 10% isopropanol) and post-treated with glycine, glutamic acid, or sodium bisulfite. Decellularization was performed with 0.25% sodium dodecylsulfate prior to fixation. The material characteristics of the treated tissues were assessed by thermal stability test, uniaxial mechanical test, and light microscopy. Stability of the treated tissue was measured by the resistance to enzymatic degradation using protease. The tissues were intramuscularly implanted into 4-week-old rabbits for 8 weeks, and the anti-α-Gal(Gal[alpha]1,3-Gal[beta]1,4GlcNAc-R) antibodies (immunoglobulin G) were measured at various time intervals after implantation. Explanted tissues were examined by light microscopy and calcium contents of the explanted tissues were measured. Differently treated tissues resulted in no significant alterations in material characteristics and morphology. GA groups are superior to genipin groups in tissue cross-linking without difference according to addition of decellularization, organic solvent treatment, and detoxification by resistance toward pronase degradation. The titer of anti-α-Gal antibodies gradually increased after implantation in all study groups. The titer of anti-α-Gal antibodies increased less in genipin groups than in GA groups, and less with decellularization than without decellularization. The calcium contents of genipin groups (n = 75) were significantly lower than those of GA groups (n = 118) (28.55 ± 11.22 μg mg(-1) vs 37.16 ± 7.75 μg mg(-1), p < 0.001). Calcium contents decreased with decellularization, organic solvent treatment, and detoxification, irrespective of the type of organic solvent and amino acids. Inorganic phosphorus contents of genipin groups (n = 66) were significantly lower than those of GA groups (n = 103) (55.36 ± 26.98 μg mg(-1) vs 75.67 ± 23.44 μg mg(-1), p = 0.000). Genipin fixation is a novel alternative to conventional GA fixation in vitro material assessment and in vivo anticalcification effect. The addition of decellularization, organic solvent treatment, and detoxification prevented calcification of GA/genipin-fixed bovine pericardium in the rabbit intramuscular implantation model, irrespective of the type of organic solvent and amino acids.

Evaluation of Detoxification Methods on Toxic and Antinutritional Composition and Nutritional Quality of Proteins in Jatropha curcas Meal

The Jatropha curcas meal was detoxified by different methods, and the effect of detoxification was evaluated in this study. The method that hydrolysis of enzymes (cellulase plus pectinase) followed by washing with ethanol (65%) had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the toxin, antinutritional components, and nutritional quality of proteins. After this treatment, the phorbolesters (PEs) were decreased by 100%. The antinutritional components (phytates, tannins, saponins, protease inhibitor, and lectin activities) were decreased to tolerable levels, which were lower than those in soybean meal. The crude protein in detoxified meal was 74.68%, and the total content of amino acids was 66.87 g/100 g of dry matter. The in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) increased from 82.14 to 92.37%. The pepsin-insoluble nitrogen was only 4.57% of the total nitrogen, and about 90% of the protein was true protein. The protein-digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of the meal was 0.75. The results showed that this treatment was a promising way to detoxify J. curcas meal, and the nutritional quality of detoxified meal can be simultaneously enriched and improved.

Effect of Detoxification on Liver Stiffness Assessed by Fibroscan® in Alcoholic Patients

The aims of this study were to determine whether alcohol consumption or cessation influences transient elastography (TE) measurements and whether TE is a useful tool to monitor alcoholic patients. Twenty-three consecutive heavy drinkers (20 men and 3 women; mean age 47.2 years) admitted for a 7-day hospitalization for alcohol detoxification were included. On admission (D0), a detailed medical history was taken and the following laboratory tests were performed [aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), gamma glutamyltransferase (γGT), and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) levels, and Fibroscan(®)]. All examinations were repeated on D8, D30, and D60. Variation in the median Fibroscan value of >20% was considered significant. After 1 week of detoxification, the % variation in TE was -21.67 ± -27.6%. The median variation in TE between D8 and D60 was -20% in the abstinent group and 32% in the relapse group (p = 0.007). An increase in proportion of patients with a significant decrease in TE was observed with an increased duration of abstinence: 41.7% at D8 and 66.7% at D60. TE values were significantly correlated with ASAT, γGT, and CDT at D0 and D8, and with ASAT and γGT at D60. TE in alcoholics is influenced by major variations in the biochemical activity of the disease. The kinetics of variation of TE suggest that this method may be useful to assess alcohol abuse and control.

Effect of Ultra-Rapid Opiate Detoxification on Withdrawal Syndrome

ABSTRACT The aim of study was determine the effect of ultra-rapid opiate detoxification (UROD) on the presence or absence of withdrawal syndrome in a group of patients with opiate dependency. In this study, withdrawal syndrome of 173 patients with opiate addiction was evaluated before and after UROD using the Objective Opioid Withdrawal Scale. Hence, each patient was observed for 5 minutes before UROD and at different hours afterward to observe any withdrawal sign. The most prevalent withdrawal sign before UROD was anxiety. Restlessness was the most prevalent finding at 1, 3, and 6 hours. After 12 hours, yawning was reported as the most prevalent finding in 39 participants. Anxiety was reported as the most prevalent finding in 61 participants after 24 hours. Patients with opioid dependency who underwent UROD showed the highest rate of withdrawal symptoms at one hour after anesthesia. Most of these symptoms subsided after 24 hours. UROD can be applied for detoxification of patients with opioid dependency with safety.

Copper aluminate spinel in the stabilization and detoxification of simulated copper-laden sludge

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of stabilizing copper-laden sludge by the application of alumina-based ceramic products. The processing temperature, material leaching behaviour, and the effect of detoxification were investigated in detail. CuO was used to simulate the copper-laden sludge and X-ray Diffraction was performed to monitor the incorporation of copper into the copper aluminate spinel (CuAl 2O 4) phase in ceramic products. It was found that the development of CuAl 2O 4 increased with elevating temperatures up to and including 1000 °C in the 3 h short-sintering scheme. When the sintering temperature went above 1000 °C, the CuAl 2O 4 phase began to decompose due to the high temperature transformation to CuAlO 2. The leachability and leaching behaviour of CuO and CuAl 2O 4 were compared by usage of a prolonged leaching test modified from US EPA’s toxicity characteristic leaching procedure. The leaching results show that CuAl 2O 4 is superior to CuO for the purpose of copper immobilization over longer leaching periods. Furthermore, the detoxification effect of CuAl 2O 4 was tested through bacterial adhesion with Escherichia coli K12, and the comparison of bacterial adhesion on CuO and CuAl 2O 4 surfaces shows the beneficial detoxification effect in connection with the formation of the CuAl 2O 4 spinel. This study demonstrates the feasibility of transforming copper-laden sludge into the spinel phase by using readily available and inexpensive ceramic materials, and achieving a successful reduction of metal mobility and toxicity.

Ayurvedic processed seeds of nux-vomica: Neuropharmacological and chemical evaluation

The effect of detoxification on Strychnos nux-vomica seeds by traditional processing with aloe and ginger juices (B), by frying in cow ghee (C), and by boiling in cow milk (D) was investigated. The ethanolic extracts of these samples were subjected to spontaneous motor activity (SMA), pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis, PTZ induced convulsions, diazepam-assisted protection, and morphine-induced catalepsy. All samples reduced SMA and inhibited catalepsy. The seeds processed in milk (D) showed the lowest strychnine content in the cotyledons, exhibited marked inhibition of PTZ induced convulsions and maximal potentiation of hypnosis, and were the safest (LD 50).

Electrolyzed-reduced water inhibits acute ethanol-induced hangovers in Sprague-Dawley rats

Ethanol consumption disturbs the balance between the pro- and anti-oxidant systems of the organism, leading to oxidative stress. Electrolyzed-reduced water (ERW) is widely used by people in East Asia for drinking purposes because of its therapeutic properties including scavenging effect of reactive oxygen species. This study was performed to investigate the effect of ERW on acute ethanol-induced hangovers in Sprague-Dawley rats. Alcohol concentration in serum of ERW-treated rats showed significant difference at 1 h, 3 h and 5 h respectively as compared with the rats treated with distilled water. Both alcohol dehydrogenase type 1 and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase related with oxidation of alcohol were significantly increased in liver tissue while the level of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum was markedly decreased 24 h after pre-oral administration of ERW. Moreover, oral administration of ERW significantly activated non-ezymatic (glutathione) and enzymatic (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase and catalase) antioxidants in liver tissues compared with the control group. These results suggest that drinking ERW has an effect of alcohol detoxification by antioxidant mechanism and has potentiality for relief of ethanol-induced hangover symptoms.

Effect of detoxification, removing stasis and nourishing yin method on corticosteroid-induced hyperlipidemia in patients with systemic lupus rythematosus

To observe the effect of TCM therapy for detoxification, removing stasis, and nourishing yin on corticosteroid-induced hyperlipemia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to investigate its mechanism. One hundred and seventy patients with SLE were randomly assigned to the integrative medicine group (IM group) and the Western medicine group (WM group), 85 in each group. Also, 30 healthy subjects selected from blood donors were enrolled in the normal control (NC) group. All patients were treated mainly with prednisone, while those in the IM group were given TCM therapy additionally, and the therapeutic course for both groups was 6 successive months. The changes of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and apolipoprotein A (ApoA) were determined and observed. A 2-year follow-up study was carried out in 16 patients of the WM group and 25 of the IM group. Before treatment, no significant difference had been found among the three groups in the serum levels of lipids and lipoproteins. After the 6-month treatment, as compared with the WM group, the IM group showed lower levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and higher levels of HDL-C and ApoA (P<0.05). A similar effect was also shown by the follow-up study in the IM group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). TCM therapy for detoxification, removing stasis, and nourishing yin can effectively regulate the levels of serum lipids and lipoproteins in preventing and treating SLE patients with corticosteroid-induced hyperlipemia.

Effect of detoxification on the functional and nutritional quality of proteins of karanja seed meal

Meal from karanja, an unconventional oilseed, is a good source of proteins (33.2%). The presence of anti-nutritional constituents, such as phytates, tannins and protease inhibitors, glabrin and karanjin (a furano-flavonoid) is a formidable constraint. The effects of various treatments on the “functional and nutritional” quality of the proteins were evaluated. Treatments, such as water leaching, mild acid and mild alkali were found to bring down the levels of anti-nutrient components, while 2% hydrochloric acid improved the nutritional value by reducing the content of phytate (81%), tannin (69%) and trypsin inhibitor activity (84%). Effective removal of the residual oil from the meal ensured complete reduction of karanjin, a fat-soluble constituent. The functional characteristics of proteins are affected with respect to solubility at various pH values from 2 to 11. There is a decrease in water and fat absorption capacities (50% and 35%). Emulsification capacity is found to reduced by 50% while the foam capacity decreases drastically (>60%). The available lysine content (3.46%) in acid-treated meal was comparable with the control (3.6%). The amino acid composition of the meal was not affected by the treatments. The protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of the meal was 0.6. Detoxification methods may potentially lead to effective value addition to these agro-resources.

Effect of Detoxification of Dilute-Acid Corn Fiber Hydrolysate on Xylitol Production

Four different detoxification methods were evaluated for the production of xylitol from corn fiber dilute-acid hydrolysate using Candida tropicalis. Although C. tropicalis could ferment the dilute partially neutralized hydrolysate to xylitol in low yields (0.1 g/g), it could not ferment the concentrated hydrolysate. Overliming, calcium hydroxide neutralization, neutralization combined with activated charcoal, and overliming combined with activated charcoal methods were used to improve the fermentation of the concentrated hydrolysates. The partial neutralization combined with activated charcoal treatment was the most effective method with respect to xylitol yield and productivity. The highest xylitol yield (0.4 g of xylitol/g of xylose) was obtained for the highest concentration of hydrolysate (three times the original) that had been treated with calcium hydroxide and activated charcoal. The corresponding productivity was 0.23 g/(L x h). Overliming caused reduction in xylitol yield.

Impact of alcohol detoxification on anxiety and depressive symptoms

Anxiety and depression are frequently encountered ‘collateral’ symptoms in alcohol abusing subjects. The present study investigated the effect of detoxification on these symptoms over 4–5 weeks of abstinence from alcohol. Psychopathology and global functioning were assessed at baseline and at weekly intervals over this period from 28 alcoholics treated on an inpatient basis. At intake, they displayed high levels of anxiety and depression; also, global functioning was seriously impaired. Following detoxification, scores on all measures of psychopathology were notably reduced. These findings allude to the depression-inducing properties of alcohol, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mood symptoms in alcohol abusing individuals.

Alcohol detoxification and social anxiety symptoms: a preliminary study of the impact of mirtazapine administration

Background: Social anxiety disorder is fairly prevalent among alcohol abusing/dependent subjects. The objective of the present study was to investigate: (a) the incidence of social anxiety symptoms in inpatient alcoholics, (b) the effect of alcohol detoxification on these symptoms, and (c) whether a combined psychotherapeutic/mirtazapine treatment during the post-detoxification phase of alcoholism has a greater impact on the aforementioned symptoms than a non-pharmacological approach. Method: Social anxiety symptoms were assessed through the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) following a 4–5-week detoxification period in two groups: group A ( n=21) that followed a detoxification protocol of cognitive–behavioral orientation and group B ( n=33) that was assigned to mirtazapine in addition to the standard protocol. Concomitant psychopathology was monitored through the HARS and HDRS, and level of functioning through the GAS. Results: A marked reduction of social anxiety symptoms was evidenced in both groups. However, patients on mirtazapine improved significantly more compared to controls. Limitations: A single measure of social anxiety, i.e., the LSAS was used. Also, a longer follow-up period is needed to ascertain remission of social anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: The present study found a rather high incidence of social anxiety symptoms in inpatient alcoholics which subsided following alcohol detoxification; moreover, it provides preliminary evidence that a combined psychotherapeutic/mirtazapine treatment (30–60 mg/daily) has a greater impact on the aforementioned symptoms than non-pharmacological treatment alone.

The anticalcific effect of glutaraldehyde detoxification on bioprosthetic aortic wall tissue in the sheep model.

Increasing concentrations of glutaraldehyde (GA) lead to a decreased rather than increased calcification of bioprosthetic aortic wall tissue. This study determined to what extent the benefit of better cross-linking is masked by the intrinsic propensity of GA towards calcification. Porcine aortic roots were immediately fixed at the abattoir at three different concentrations of GA (0.2%, 1.0%, and 3.0% for 1 week at 4 degrees C). Subsequently, roots underwent a GA extraction process using high volumes of Urazole solution (acetic acid buffer, pH 4.5, 37 degrees C, 1 week) followed by NaBH4 reduction (2 days, 37 degrees C). Roots were implanted in the distal aortic arch of young sheep for 6 weeks and 6 months. Calcium analysis was quantitatively done by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and qualitatively assessed by light microscopy on Von Kossa stains. There was a distinct anticalcification effect of GA detoxification after 6 weeks (56.8% to 97.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI]), which stabilized on a more moderate level after 6 months of implantation (19.1% to 31.6%; 95% CI). The most pronounced effect of GA extraction was seen in 0.2% fixed tissue, where aortic wall calcification was mitigated by 97% and 32% after 6 weeks and 6 months, respectively. Mitigation of aortic wall calcification was 71% (6 weeks) and 21% (6 months) in the 3.0% GA group. The combined effect of higher cross-link density and detoxification achieved an 82% (6 weeks) and 48% (6 months) reduction of calcium levels in the 3.0% GA group. In long-term implants (6 months), detoxification alone on top of standard 0.2% GA fixation was as effective (from 174.1 +/- 11.9 microg/mg without detoxification to 119.3 +/- 19.3 microg/mg with detoxification) as 3.0% fixation (114.8 +/- 10.0 microg/mg without detoxification to 91.3 +/- 11.5 microg/mg with detoxification). We were able to determine in the circulatory sheep model to what degree the intrinsic procalcific effect of GA counteracts the protective effect of higher cross-link density. Our study also established that the effect of detoxification is particularly pronounced in commercial low-grade fixation.

Mitigation of bioprosthetic heart valve degeneration through biocompatibility: in vitro versus spontaneous endothelialization

Background: Glutaraldehyde-related cytotoxicity and transanastomotic ingrowth inhibition prevent the spontaneous endothelialization of bioprosthetic heart valves. In order to evaluate the ability of improved biocompatibility to reduce tissue degeneration, conventionally fixed aortic root prostheses were both glutaraldehyde-detoxified and in vitro endothelialized. Methods: Entire aortic roots were fixed in 0.2% glutaraldehyde (GA) (control group) and either detoxified in acetic acid-buffered urazole (0.1 m) or detoxified and in vitro lined with cultured, autologous jugular vein endothelial cells. The valved roots were inserted in the distal aortic arch of 15 juvenile Merino sheep for a period of 12 weeks. Upon explant, leaflets, sinuses and aortic wall of the prostheses were analysed by SEM to assess the surface endothelium, histologically regarding tissue inflammation, and by atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the content of tissue calcium. Results: There was no endothelium on control grafts, except for a short anastomotic pannus. The detoxified group showed an incomplete patchy endothelium on the aortic wall but hardly any on the leaflets, whereas, the in vitro lined group had aortic wall, sinuses and most of the leaflets confluently endothelialized. Tissue inflammation was prominent in the control group and least expressed in the endothelialized group ( p<0.05). Detoxification significantly reduced leaflet calcification. In the aortic wall, both detoxification and endothelial lining were required to significantly mitigate calcification. Conclusion: In the 12 week circulatory sheep model, the calcium mitigating effect of detoxification was more pronounced than that of in vitro endothelialization. Nevertheless, there was a distinct overall benefit if detoxification was combined with endothelialization.

Effect of aflatoxin B1 detoxification on the physicochemical properties and quality of ground nut meal

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in groundnut meal (GNM) was detoxified up to 97% by a combination of enzymatic and physical processes. Finely-powdered defatted groundnut meal containing 1.2 mM AFB1 per 100 g of meal was first detoxified up to 53% with 10 IU of horseradish peroxidase enzyme in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and then the meal containing 12–15% (wb) moisture was treated with microwave radiation at 1 kwt for 15 min to achieve a final 97% detoxification. A comparison was made of the treated and untreated groundnut meal quality with respect to their nitrogen solubility, total nitrogen and protein nitrogen contents, and protein composition. Rat feeding experiments were performed to study the effect of detoxification processes on ground nut meal quality as indicated by the mortality, food efficiency ratio and food conversion rate. Mean weight gains of the rats receiving the treated meals were essentially comparable to those for animals receiving aflatoxin-free diets. Overall, nitrogen-solubility of the enzyme-treated meal increases in the pH 2–6 range. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic patterns of the protein did not show any notable changes. Amount of protein nitrogen in the meal increased after the enzymatic treatment. Mortality rates of the young animals were high when they were fed untreated meal containing aflatoxin. Resistance increased with age, which was evidenced by the relatively lower mortality rate of the rats after prolonged feeding of aflatoxin-infected meal.