Bioprotective microorganisms as antifungal and mycotoxin-degrading agents in food animals production

Global meat production reached 357.39 million tons in 2021, with mycotoxin contamination, particularly zearalenone (ZEA) and fumonisin B1 (FB1), posing a major challenge due to their resistance to conventional preservation methods. These toxins negatively impact animal health, productivity, and food safety, requiring innovative control strategies. Alternative approaches, such as bioprotective microorganisms, may contribute to mycotoxin degradation and fungal control in the animal production chain. This study evaluated 23 bacterial and yeast strains for their ability to degrade ZEA and FB1 and inhibit mycotoxigenic fungi. Four bacterial strains effectively degraded ZEA: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum MLB3, Bacillus subtilis MLB2, Bacillus velezensis CL197, and Streptomyces griseus CECT 3276, though none achieved satisfactory FB1 degradation. The bacteria and their metabolites were effective in inhibiting fungal growth in both solid and liquid culture media, and simulated swine and poultry digestion demonstrated complete ZEA degradation, forming low-toxicity conjugates. These results suggest that selected bacterial strains could be applied in animal production to mitigate mycotoxin contamination, reduce fungal proliferation, and enhance food safety. The use of bioprotective bacteria represents a promising biotechnological approach to safeguarding both animal and human health while improving the quality and safety of animal-derived food products.