In-depth study of zearalenone degradation by Ery 4 laccase-mediator systems: in vitro efficacy, mechanistic insights, and application to contaminated corn
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Laccases are promising enzymes for zearalenone (ZEN) degradation, especially when used with redox mediators in Laccase Mediator Systems (LMSs). Ery4 laccase and three mediators, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO), and acetosyringone (AS), were tested for ZEN removal in vitro and in naturally contaminated corn. All mediators enabled complete ZEN degradation, with AS 1 mM and 1 U/mL Ery4 in only ten minutes. ZEN was reduced by 55.3 % in corn flour. By High-resolution mass spectrometry and Density Functional Theory (DFT) three major degradation products were identified: an oxidation product (14-hydroxyZENquinone), and for the first time, two AS- ZEN coupling products (AS-ZEN and AS-hydroxyZEN). In silico prediction revealed that 14-hydroxyZENquinone and AS-ZEN may possess lower estrogenic potential, indicating LMS as a safe detoxification strategy in food systems. These findings offer key insights into LMS for ZEN degradation and the underlying degradation pathway, thereby advancing its potential application in food safety strategies. • Zearalenone degradation conditions with Laccase Mediator System were optimized. • A combined computational-analytical approach was used to propose reaction mechanism. • Oxidation and coupling zearalenone products were identified. • 55.3 % of ZEN degradation was achieved in corn flour. • In silico estrogenic potential of oxidation products was lower than zearalenone.
Source: Food Chemistry
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,930
OpenAlex ID: W4417076099