Aflatoxin B1 elimination in low-grade maize by co-influence of heat and chemical treatment

Abstract

This research investigated the optimal conditions of heat and chemical treatment for elimination of aflatoxin. NaOH showed the highest inhibition percentage (75.44%) of Aspergillus flavus growth that was isolated from low-grade maize. Low-grade maize contaminated with A. flavus was treated with NaOH by varying three factors in three levels: NaOH concentration (0, 2.5 and 5% w/v), temperature (25, 50 and 75°C) and time (24, 48 and 72 h). Aflatoxin was removed from low-grade maize after sprinkling with 5% w/v NaOH at 50°C for 24 h that reduced aflatoxin B1 content to 4.25 µg/kg with 60.35% reduction from initial value. The use of NaOH solution with simple heat influenced the reduction in fungal contamination and elimination of aflatoxin B1.