Probiotic and adsorbent viability of aflatoxin B1 by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae A8L3 isolated from fish farming environment.

Due to the increasing demand for sustainable alternatives to antibiotics in aquaculture, the selection of indigenous probiotics with multi-functional properties is essential for improving fish health and food safety. This research aimed to evaluate the probiotic potential and Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) adsorption capacity of the yeast strain S. cerevisiae A8L3, isolated from a fish farm environment. The isolate, belonging to the NUEPPA culture collection, was subjected to in vitro assays to determine its autoaggregation and co-aggregation abilities, antimicrobial activity against pathogens, and tolerance to simulated stomach (pH 2.0) and intestinal (pH 7.0) conditions of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Results indicated that S. cerevisiae A8L3 possesses robust aggregative properties and effective bacterial inhibition for all strains evaluated. Furthermore, the strain demonstrated high viability and the ability to multiply under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. In addition to these probiotic traits, A8L3 showed a significant capacity for AFB1 adsorption. These findings confirm that S. cerevisiae A8L3 meets the essential requirements for inclusion in fish diets. The strain demonstrates significant potential as a dual-action biological agent, capable of enhancing pathogen resistance and mitigating risks associated with mycotoxin-contaminated feed, thus offering a promising strategy for sustainable Nile tilapia farming.