Effect of ozonation, UV light radiation, and pulsed electric field processes on the reduction of total aflatoxin and aflatoxin M1 in<i>acidophilus</i>milk
Esmat Khoori, Vahid Hakimzadeh, Ali Mohamadi Sani, Hasan Rashidi
Abstract
In this study, the application of ozonation, ultraviolet radiation, and pulsed electric field techniques on the elimination of total Aflatoxins (AF) and AFM1 in probiotic milk (Acidophilus milk) has been investigated. A central composite response surface analysis was performed to determine the effects of these methods on the reduction of total AF and AFM1 and also, the viability of bacteria using Design-Expert software. Results showed a significant and synergistic effect on all independent variables in reducing the amounts of AFM1 and total AF in acidophilus milk. The implemented numerical optimization showed that the predicted and actual values were similar and confirmed the possible application of PEF, UV intensity, and ozone for reducing toxins in acidophilus milk. Bacterial viability also decreased and the level of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the final product was 106 CFU/g. The optimized parameters were 13.15 µsec for pulse duration, 9.99 mg/min for ozone concentration, and 4.99 J/cm−2 for UV intensity. Practical applications Dairy products are an important part of people's daily diet. AFM1 is a derivation of 4-hydroxy AFB1 and AFB2 and contaminated animals ‘milk. This study was investigated the use of Hurdle technologies (ozonation, UV radiation, and pulsed electric field) to reduce the amount of AF in milk containing acidophilus bacteria. The results showed a significant and synergistic effect on all independent variables in reducing the amounts of AFM1 and total AF in acidophilus milk. The bacterial viability also decreased by applying these methods.