Control of Aflatoxicosis in Poultry Using Probiotics and Polymers

Abstract

An important approach to prevent aflatoxicosis in poultry is the addition of non-nutritional adsorbents in the diet to bind aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in the gastrointestinal tract. These adsorbents are large molecular weight compounds that are able to bind the mycotoxin, forming a stable complex adsorbent-mycotoxin, which can pass through the gastrointestinal tract. In this chapter, we evaluate the use of polymers and probiotics to reduce AFB1 toxic effects in poultry. Our results on the efficacy of polymers and probiotics in sequestering mycotoxins are highly promising, although this field is still in its infancy and further research is needed. Furthermore, in vivo studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these materials against AFB1 toxic effects, since results in the past have indicated that there is great variability in the efficacy of adsorbing materials in vivo, even though the compounds may show potential adsorption capacity of the mycotoxin in vitro.

Lactic Acid Bacteria from African Fermented Cereal-Based Products: Potential Biological Control Agents for Mycotoxins in Kenya

“…The metabolites produced work via binding and absorption of mycotoxins onto the bacterial cell walls and utilizing them as primary sources of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the production of enzymes responsible for the degradation ( Table 3 ) [ 136 ]. Aflatoxins are also removed by LAB through the biodegradation/bioadsorption mechanisms via direct binding based on probiotic affinity toward aflatoxins [ 137 – 139 ]. Biodegradation of modified AFB 1 structure can result in undesirable metabolites (such as aflatoxin), which are probably harmful to the host [ 137 – 139 ].…”

“…Aflatoxins are also removed by LAB through the biodegradation/bioadsorption mechanisms via direct binding based on probiotic affinity toward aflatoxins [ 137 – 139 ]. Biodegradation of modified AFB 1 structure can result in undesirable metabolites (such as aflatoxin), which are probably harmful to the host [ 137 – 139 ]. The activities of aflatoxin toxicity are affected by two sites of furofuran and lactone rings.…”

Emerging technologies in combination with probiotics for aflatoxins removal: an updated review

“…Studies have shown that there is the possibility that probiotics can detoxify aflatoxins in two ways. First, aflatoxin can be adsorbed by the wall carbohydrates of probiotics and reduced their bioavailability, and second, the released metabolites of probiotics may degrade aflatoxins (Solis‐Cruz et al ., 2018). Aflatoxins can bind to peptidoglycans and other cell wall polysaccharides.…”

Possibilities for the Biological Control of Mycotoxins in Food and Feed

“…Biodegradation is irreversible and of longer duration compared to bioadsorption, but it can modify toxin structure and also result in unwanted metabolites (e.g., aflatoxicol from aflatoxin B1), which could be detrimental for the host. Bioadsorption assumes quick direct binding of toxin which might be simply released and depends on the bacterial affinity toward toxin [ 57 ]. Bacillus and Brevibacterium species have been studied for degradation of different mycotoxins: aflatoxin, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin and patulin.…”