Whole genome sequencing and metabonomics analysis reveal the biodegradation process of deoxynivalenol in a safety Bacillus velezensis T-3 isolated from the gut of sea cucumber

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a typical mycotoxin mainly produced by <i>Fusarium</i>, which seriously endangers the safety of global agriculture, feed and food. To further explore the biodegradation strategy of DON, a safety <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> T-3 was identified. The biodegradration process of DON by <i>B. velezensis</i> T-3 was further revealed via target fermentation and metabonomics analysis. Results showed that <i>B. velezensis</i> T-3 could effectively antagonize the growth of mycotoxin-producing <i>Fusarium graminearum</i>, <i>Penicillium chrysogenum</i> and <i>Aspergillus flavus.</i> Moreover, metabonomics analysis indicated that DON could be completely removed by <i>B. velezensis</i> T-3 within 72 h. Further analysis found that DON could be converted into low-toxic or non-toxic compounds such as retinoic acid, glycine, etc. In application stage, the highest degradation rate of DON in corn by-products was 49.59%, <i>B. velezensis</i> T-3 could also effectively inhibit the growth of molds to prolong the mildew cycle of corn by-products, thus remarkably reducing the harmfulness of DON.