Biological degradation of aflatoxin M(1) by Bacillus pumilus E‐1‐1‐1

Aflatoxin M(1) (AFM(1)) is a potent mycotoxin which causes serious health concerns in developing countries, where it is mainly found in milk, meat, and other foods. Biological detoxification is a promising method for eliminating AFM(1). The aim of this work was to search for AFM(1)‐degrading bacterial strains from animal waste, soil, and activated sludge. High‐performance liquid chromatography and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy were used to analyze the AFM(1) degradation products. A strain designated E‐1‐1‐1 was obtained from African elephants feces, with the degradation ratio of AFM(1) reaching 89.55% in 12 hr. Based on morphology, physiological and biochemical tests, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain E‐1‐1‐1 was identified as Bacillus pumilus. The culture supernatant of B. pumilus E‐1‐1‐1 degraded AFM(1) effectively, whereas the cells and cell extracts of B. pumilus E‐1‐1‐1 were far less effective. Carbon and nitrogen sources had highly significant effects on the degradation of AFM(1) by B. pumilus E‐1‐1‐1. The AFM(1)‐degrading strain, B. pumilus E1‐1‐1, could have great potential in industrial applications.