Bacillus velezensis CL197: a zearalenone detoxifying strain isolated from wheat with potential to be used in animal production

Abstract Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, and cause contamination of food and feed, with impacts in animal production and in food production chain. Effective detoxifying methods, such as biodegradation, are therefore required. This study aimed to isolate microorganisms and screen ZEA detoxifying strains. As a result, 197 microorganisms were isolated, and six were initially selected after colorimetric screening. ZEA (1 µg/mL) was added to culture media, and after 24 h, all six microorganisms were able to degrade ZEA, without the formation of α-ZOL. One isolate eliminated ~ 99% of ZEA and was identified as Bacillus velezensis CL197. ZEA metabolites produced by the bacteria were evaluated, and no metabolites with greater or similar toxicity than ZEA were detected. This strain was applied to swine in vitro digestion, and up to 64% of ZEA was degraded. B. velezensis CL197 significantly degraded ZEA, demonstrating potential to be used as a detoxifying agent in the food production chain as a biocontrol agent.