Development of a pilot-scale process to sequester aflatoxin and release bioactive peptides from highly contaminated peanut meal

Peanut meal (PM) is the high protein by-product remaining after commercial extraction of peanut oil. PM applications are limited because of typical high concentrations of aflatoxin. For the first time, pilot-scale extraction of protein and sequestration of aflatoxin from PM were evaluated. Aqueous PM dispersions were mixed with two commercial bentonite clays and Alcalase in a jacketed mixer, hydrolysed for 1 h, heated to inactivate protease, and solids and liquids were separated using a decanter. Liquid hydrolysates derived from this process had >90% reduction in aflatoxin when clay was present. ACE-inhibitory activities of these hydrolysates suggest a potential benefit for blood pressure regulation. The insoluble fractions from the dispersions were dried and used in a separate turkey poult feeding study. These results indicate that scale-up of this novel process is feasible and offers a means for adding value to this underutilized protein source.

► We report a pilot-scale process utilizing aflatoxin contaminated peanut meal.
► Two commercial bentonite clays were shown to effectively sequester aflatoxin.
► Soluble fractions contained peptides with enhanced ACE-inhibitory activity.
► The insoluble material remaining could be used as value-added feed component.