The use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae immobilized on activated alumina, and alumina silicate beads for the reduction of Aflatoxin M1 in vitro

This study was aimed to investigate the immobilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on two different types of ceramic beads (activated alumina and alumina silicate) and comparing the supports for reduction aflatoxin M-1 (AFM1) in vitro. The immobilization of S. cerevisiae was done on ceramic beads for 24 and 48 hr. The best immobilization was achieved at 48 hr. The images of scanning electron microscope confirmed that the immobilization of yeast cells on the activated alumina was better than the alumina silicate (P<0.05). The ceramic beads with immobilized yeasts were applied to remove the AFM1 from contaminated standard liquid (0.2 mu g/L) by 5, 10, and 20 min circulation time. Results showed that the AFM1 concentration in the solution after 20 min circulation was minimal and the highest AFM1 reduction was 75%, when the contaminated solution passed through the activated alumina beads. There was no Si or Al residue in standard liquid. Practical applicationsThis study indicated that the activated alumina and alumina silicate can provide a perfect support for immobilization and the immobilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells on ceramic beads can be used practically to detoxify AFM1-contaminated liquid food.