Enzymatic detoxification of major mycotoxins: current status, challenges, and future prospective.

Abstract

Mycotoxins are ubiquitous in cereals and cereal products worldwide, presenting substantial health hazards to both humans and animals. Enzymatic degradation has recently gained prominence as a highly effective, selective, and environmentally friendly approach to neutralizing mycotoxins, converting them into non-toxic or less toxic compounds. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the enzymatic properties and degradation pathways of mycotoxin-degrading enzymes that target major mycotoxins, including aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxins (OTs), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and fumonisins (FUMs). The identification of multiple mycotoxin-degrading enzymes, such as peroxidases, laccases, esterases, and oxidoreductases, has paved the way for transforming mycotoxins into less or non-toxic products through diverse pathways, offering a promising avenue for complete detoxification.