In Vitro Evaluation of the Adsorption Efficacy of Biochar Materials on Aflatoxin B<sub>1</sub>, Ochratoxin A, and Zearalenone
Michael Appell,
Evan C. Wegener,
Brajendra K. Sharma,
Fred J. Eller,
Kervin O. Evans,
David L. Compton
Affiliations
Michael Appell
USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604, USA
Evan C. Wegener
USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Renewable Product Technology Research, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604, USA
Brajendra K. Sharma
USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, Sustainable Biofuels and Co-Products Research, 600 E. Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
Fred J. Eller
USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Functional Foods Research, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604, USA
Kervin O. Evans
USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Renewable Product Technology Research, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604, USA
David L. Compton
USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Renewable Product Technology Research, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604, USA
Mycotoxin sequestration materials are important tools to reduce mycotoxin illness and enable proper handling of mycotoxin-contaminated commodities. Three food-grade bentonite clays and four generally recognized as safe (GRAS) charcoal/biochar carbon materials that are marketed as feed additives and supplements were evaluated for their ability to sequester the mycotoxins aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, and zearalenone. The surface area of the clays varied between 32.1 to 51.4 mg2/g, and the surface area of the carbon-based materials varied from 1.7 to 1735 mg2/g. In vitro, gastric fluid studies indicated that certain pine biochar and activated coconut charcoal could sequester high amounts (85+%) of the mycotoxins at 1 ppm levels or below. However, some biochar materials with lower surface area properties lacked binding capacity. The coconut shell charcoal and pine biochar utilize agricultural waste products in a manner that significantly reduces carbon emissions and provides valuable materials to minimize exposure to toxins found in food and feed.
