Covalent immobilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans cell walls for aflatoxin M1 bio-detoxification

Abstract

The study compared the bio-detoxification capabilities of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans cell walls for aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁). The yeast cell walls were disrupted using thermal shock-ultrasound, resulting in 75 nm particles, as confirmed by dynamic light scattering. These disrupted cell walls were then immobilized on nano-zeolite and entrapped in ca-alginate. SEM, FTIR & XRD confirmed their physical absorption on the nano-zeolite and entrapment in ca-alginate. Samples were exposed to AFM₁ for 15 min and 24 h, either in combination or free, before or after immobilization. HPLC analysis revealed significant variations in AFM₁ reduction. The highest reduction of 89.49% was observed after 15 min with alginate treatment, while the immobilized-entrapped C. albicans cell wall showed the lowest reduction of 24.77% after 24 h. Both free Candida cell walls and immobilized-entrapped Saccharomyces cell walls showed impressive detoxification abilities. Additionally, immobilized-entrapped cell walls are reusable and a sustainable choice for industrial use.