In vitro degradation of aflatoxin B1 by horse radish peroxidase

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), extracted from Aspergillus flavus ATCC 15517, was detoxified up to 60% by commercial horse radish peroxidase (HRP) (200 U/mg) in vitro. Partially purified peroxidase enzymes from freshly harvested radish root having 20 and 30 U/mg of protein were made to act upon the toxin in vitro and showed approximately 30 and 38% conversion, respectively. The optimum enzymatic reaction occurred in 50 mM phosphate buffer at 20°C, pH6, incubation time 60 min and normal pressure. Hydrogen peroxide in 5 mM concentration was used as oxidising agent in all the reactions performed. The reaction product was tested for its toxicity on Bacillus megaterium and other micro-organisms. Toxicity tests resulted in 97 and 30% growth of bacilli when 200 and 30 U/mg enzyme was used for the reaction, respectively.