Aflatoxin B(1) Metabolism of Reared Alphitobius diaperinus in Different Life-Stages

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The contamination of food and feed by aflatoxins causes major health and economic consequences, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Aflatoxins can cause liver cancer and other health issues. Certain reared insect species that are being considered as an alternative protein source have been found to metabolically convert aflatoxins in their diet. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolism of aflatoxin B(1) by Lesser Mealworm to determine if this chemical is present in the substrate on which this species is reared. Possible differences in metabolic rate and/or metabolic compounds in three different life-stages of this species were investigated. We observed no negative effects on growth and survival, suggesting that the Lesser Mealworm is very resistant to aflatoxin B(1). Analyses of the larvae and the excreta after the experiment showed that aflatoxin B(1) and known aflatoxin derivatives (metabolites) were not present in the insects, and concentrations in the excreta were up to 40% of the spiked concentrations in the feed. It was not clear whether the other proportion that could not be quantified was completely detoxified or converted into unidentified (toxic) metabolites. If detoxification can be verified, then the Lesser Mealworm is a very suitable candidate for the rearing on aflatoxin-contaminated feed materials. ABSTRACT: The presence of carcinogenic aflatoxins in food and feed is a major issue. In prior studies, aflatoxin B(1) (AfB(1)) and known primary metabolites were absent from Lesser Mealworm (LMW, Alphitobius diaperinus) reared on contaminated diets. LMW is a promising alternative protein source. The objectives of this stu\dy were to determine whether LMW can be reared on AfB(1)-contaminated feed in each life-stage, and to gather more insight into potential metabolites formed. Results suggested no adverse effects in terms of survival/growth when three stages of LMW (larvae, pre-pupae, beetles) were exposed to feed containing AfB(1) concentrations of 200 and 600 µg/kg for 48 h. Insect and frass samples were analyzed by LC-MS/MS and high-resolution MS to, respectively, quantify concentrations of AfB(1) and its major metabolites, and determine secondary metabolites. No AfB(1) or major metabolites were quantified in the insect samples. Mass balance calculations showed that up to 40% of spiked AfB(1) could be recovered in the frass, in the form of AfB(1), aflatoxicol and AfM(1). HRMS results suggested the presence of additional metabolites in the frass, but, due to lack of commercially available reference standards for these compounds, exact identification and quantification was not possible. More research is needed to verify the absence of toxicity.