Scientists Discover Microbe That Degrades Harmful Mycotoxin
Researchers from the Tokyo University of Science recently discovered a new microorganism in soil that shows potential for eliminating patulin, a harmful mycotoxin produced by a species of fungi that tends to grow on damaged or decaying fruits like apples, and can contaminate sauces, juices, ciders, and other fruit products. Many countries have set restrictions on the levels of the mycotoxin in food, as patulin toxicity has been associated with adverse health effects ranging from lung congestion to cancer-causing DNA damage.
To find microbes that could possibly help control patulin levels, the scientists took 510 soil samples from a patulin-rich environment, searching for organisms that thrive in presence of the mycotoxin. The microbial survivors were then screened using high-performance liquid chromatography to determine their ability to reduce patulin to other, less harmful chemicals.