Adsorption of aflatoxin B1 to corn by-products

The adsorption of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to natural fiber materials prepared from corn by-products was investigated in this study. The results showed that corn cob powder (CCP) dose, particle size, time (0.25-24 h), temperature (4, 20, 37, 50 and 100 degrees C) and pH (2-8), had significant effects on adsorption. The maximum adsorption (98%) was with particles 500-355 mu m in size at 20 degrees C for 8 h, at the dose of 50 mg mL-1. The adsorption fitted pseudosecond-order model and Langmuir isotherm well. Besides, CCP had a higher adsorption capacity to AFB1 than any single cell wall components of corn, which indicated that capillary effect happened in cell wall might be the main reason for adsorption. The results also suggested that CCP could reduce AFB1 content from both liquid and solid food matrixes. Briefly, CCP displayed promising properties that could be developed in nature-based practical applications for food aflatoxin decontamination.