Aflatoxin B1 Conversion by Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larval Enzyme Extracts

The larvae of the black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens L., BSFL) have received increased industrial interest as a novel protein source for food and feed. Previous research has found that insects, including BSFL, are capable of metabolically converting aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1), but recovery of total AFB 1 is less than 20% when accounting for its conversion to most known metabolites. The aim of this study was to examine the conversion of AFB 1 by S9 extracts of BSFL reared on substrates with or without AFB 1. Liver S9 of Aroclor-induced rats was used as a reference. To investigate whether cytochrome P450 enzymes are involved in the conversion of AFB 1, the inhibitor piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was tested in a number of treatments. The results showed that approximately 60% of AFB 1 was converted to aflatoxicol and aflatoxin P 1. The remaining 40% of AFB 1 was not converted. Cytochrome P450s were indeed responsible for metabolic conversion of AFB 1 into AFP 1, and a cytoplasmic reductase was most likely responsible for conversion of AFB 1 into aflatoxicol. View Full-Tex