Possibilities to use yeast cell walls polysaccharides and walnut nutshells for mycotoxin decontamination

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites that are naturally produced by specific filamentous fungi [1]. Currently, more than 400 potentially toxic mycotoxins have been identified as dangerous contaminants in food and agriculture that cause significant harm to humans and animals through their carcinogenic, immunosuppressive, teratogenic and mutagenic effects [2]. Dairy cattle are often exposed to multiple mycotoxins that can occur before, during or after harvesting due to the high levels of maize and grass silage in their daily ration. Thus, contamination of feed with mycotoxins in the dairy sector can cause serious feed safety and security issues and significant losses for the ruminant industry. The purpose of the current study was to assess the effectiveness of Geotrichum fermentants, Rhodotorula rubra and Kluyveromyce marxiamus yeast cell walls polysaccharides and walnut nutshells in reducing mycotoxin levels. A static in vitro model of the gastrointestinal tract was used as a first assessment tool to determine the effectiveness of yeast cell walls polysaccharides and walnut nutshells in reducing levels of the mycotoxins aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin concentrations. Mycotoxin concentrations were established using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence (FLD) and ultraviolet (UV) detectors. It was found that the greatest impact on the reduction of AFB1 and ZEA concentrations was determined with inserted G. fermentants yeast cell walls polysaccharides (P < 0.05), DON concentration with R. rubra yeast cell walls polysaccharides (P < 0.05) and T-2 toxin concentration with G. fermentants, R. rubra and K. marxiamus yeast cell walls polysaccharides (P < 0.05). Although the highest mycotoxin reduction effect while using walnut nutshells was established for AFB1 and DON. The research findings suggest that yeast cell walls polysaccharides and walnut nutshells may be highly effective in reducing mycotoxin concentrations, thereby improving feed safety and quality for dairy cattle.