Description

Abstract: The fate of [14C]aflatoxin B1 in the presence of Flavobacterium aurantiacum was determined. [14C]aflatoxin B1 was incubated with live or dead F. aurantiacum cells for up to 72 h. Samples were extracted with chloroform and the aqueous and non-polar phases were analyzed for 14C Content over time. The normally chloroform-soluble [14C]aflatoxin B1 is rapidly converted to watersoluble degradation products by live cells. Some radioactivity was initially associated with live cells but was lost at about the same rate as the water-soluble degradation products accumulated. The evolution of 14CO2 by the live cells provides further evidence that at least a portion of the [14C]aflatoxin B1 is metabolized. Dead F. aurantiacum cells bind some aflatoxin but are unable to carry out the degradation to water-soluble compounds or carbon dioxide.