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

The study compared the bio-detoxification capabilities of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans cell walls for aflatoxin M-1 (AFM(1)). 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 AFM(1) for 15 min and 24 h, either in combination or free, before or after immobilization. HPLC analysis revealed significant variations in AFM(1) 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.