Biodegradation of ochratoxin A by two novel strains of Brevibacillus sp. isolated from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent nephrotoxic mycotoxin mainly produced by some Aspergillus and Penicillium species. OTA contamination has been found in agricultural commodities and related downstream products worldwide, thus constituting a significant risk to animals and humans. In this study, two novel strains of Brevibacillus sp., ALJ01 and ALJ02, were isolated from wheat samples based on their ability to degrade OTA, and the degradation products of OTA were identified as ochratoxin α and phenylalanine. Brevibacillus sp. strain ALJ01 and Brevibacillus schisleri strain ALJ02 could degrade OTA (5 μg/mL) by 100% within 12 h. Therein enzymes produced by the two strains might have the activity of catalyzing the degradation of OTA. ALJ01 and ALJ02 strains could also efficiently reduce OTA in wheat products (89.8% and 96.5%, respectively) within 24 h. Additionally, strain ALJ02 showed antagonistic activity against certain OTA-producing fungal species. This study discovered two novel strains of the genus Brevibacillus with good OTA degradation ability for the first time and revealed their potential prospects for biodegradation and biocontrol of OTA.