RECOVERY OF AFLATOXIN-CONTAMINATED DRIED FIGS BY BIODEGRADATION

Objective: The aim of this thesis was to identify the products formed as a result of aflatoxin biodegradation studies and aflatoxin biodegradation studies with microorganisms isolated from aflatoxin-contaminated figs. Material and Method: Within the scope of the thesis study, adapted microorganisms were isolated from aflatoxin-contaminated dried figs and preliminary screening studies were carried out to determine their morphological and molecular identification and aflatoxin biodegradation properties. In aflatoxin biodegradation studies, both microorganism cultures and supernatants were analyzed separately. Biodegradation amounts were determined using high pressure liquid chromatography. QTOF-LC/MS analyses were performed to determine the biodegradation products formed after degradation in samples where aflatoxin biodegradation occurred. Results: In the thesis study, 27 microorganisms were isolated from dried figs. These microorganisms reduced the amount of aflatoxin in dried figs by 50% or more. As a result of degradation, 22 biodegradation products were identified. Conclusion: In this thesis, aflatoxin biodegradation was realized with 3 bacteria and 2 yeasts isolated from dried figs. The products formed as a result of aflatoxin biodegradation were identified