In Vitro Evaluation of the Adsorption Efficacy of Biochar Materials on Aflatoxin B₁, Ochratoxin A, and Zearalenone

Mycotoxin sequestration materials are important tools to reduce mycotoxin illness and enable proper handling of mycotoxin-contaminated commodities. Three food-grade bentonite clays and four generally recognized as safe (GRAS) charcoal/biochar carbon materials that are marketed as feed additives and supplements were evaluated for their ability to sequester the mycotoxins aflatoxin B-1, ochratoxin A, and zearalenone. The surface area of the clays varied between 32.1 to 51.4 mg(2)/g, and the surface area of the carbon-based materials varied from 1.7 to 1735 mg(2)/g. In vitro, gastric fluid studies indicated that certain pine biochar and activated coconut charcoal could sequester high amounts (85+%) of the mycotoxins at 1 ppm levels or below. However, some biochar materials with lower surface area properties lacked binding capacity. The coconut shell charcoal and pine biochar utilize agricultural waste products in a manner that significantly reduces carbon emissions and provides valuable materials to minimize exposure to toxins found in food and feed.