Biotech Updates

Pleurotus ostreatus Degrades Aflatoxin B1 in Moldy Rice Straws

July 2, 2014

Reserchers now look into the potential of utilizing Pleurotus ostreatus strains in degrading Aflatoxin B1 in moldy rice straws. Aspergillus flavus, a common mold in rice straws, produces the Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is hazardous to dairy cattle when ingested. On the other hand, the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus has the ability of degrading many environmentally hazardous compounds, including AFB1.

Different strains of A. flavus were inoculated on rice straws for AFB1 production. Then, these moldy straws were inoculated again, this time by different strains of P. ostreatus. The extent of AFB1 degradation was evaluated through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

P. ostreatus strains revealed their ability to multiply profusely in the straws, which contributed to the rapid degradation of AFB1. Highest degradation of AFB1 was recorded in the straws containing P. ostreatus strain GHBBF10. This strain can be further exploited to effectively degrade concentrations of AFB1 in contaminated moldy rice straw.

To learn more on this study, please visit: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13205-014-0228-7/fulltext.html