Using corn cob powder to induce AFB1-degrading enzyme production in Cladosporium uredinicola HSK8 for detoxification purposes.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic mycotoxin that contaminates food sources and poses serious health risks. This study examines Cladosporium uredinicola HSK8's ability to degrade AFB1. It was demonstrated that the hydrolysis of corn cob powder, following high-temperature treatment, generates derivatives such as furfural and vanillin, which stimulate the production of various AFB1-degrading enzymes by C. uredinicola HSK8. The total enzymatic activity reached a peak of 3750 U/mL in fermentation broth with 3 % corn cob powder. Two AFB1-degrading enzymes were further isolated, purified and analyzed. The results showed that enzymes can disrupt both the furan and benzene rings, exhibiting strong catalytic activity. The results suggested corn cob powder as a complex carbon source not only promotes the growth of C. uredinicola but also induces the production of AFB1-degrading enzymes. Therefore, the fermentation broth of C. uredinicola HSK8 cultured with corn cob powder holds great potential for the detoxification of AFB1 in food and feed.