Environmental toxins not only affect the health and performance of livestock to a substantial degree, they also pose a risk to human health. Mycotoxins in particular can enter the food chain through animal feed and foodstuffs and have a high risk potential. All over the world these fungal toxins are ever-present in agricultural products depending on the respective crop type, weather conditions, producer region and the storage conditions.

1. E
nvironmental toxins not only affect the
health and performance of livestock
to a substantial degree, they also pose
a risk to human health. Mycotoxins
in particular can enter the food chain
through animal feed and foodstuffs
and have a high risk potential. All
over the world these fungal toxins are
ever-present in agricultural products
depending on the respective crop type, weather conditions,
producer region and the storage conditions.
The negative impacts of the primary toxins Deoxynivalenol
(DON), Zearalenone (ZEA), Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin
(OTA) are well researched and documented. However, it remains
largely unknown to what extent the interactions between these
mycotoxins and the numerous less well-researched environmental
toxins pose a risk to animal health. Under these circumstances,
one would expect to see increased susceptibility to infections,
diminished immune system efficiency and an increased risk of
autoimmune diseases even at very low concentrations. Breeder
animals especially are at risk in the long term.
Merely binding mycotoxins simply is not enough
Neither heating nor preserving during the processing stages
can render the accumulated fungal toxins harmless. Once the
available measures in breeding, cultivation and harvesting
leading up to the production of compound animal feed have been
exhausted, there is a prevailing opinion that mycotoxin binders
can protect the animal from damaging effects by binding the
toxins.
The proof of efficacy is usually documented using an in vitro
adsorption test, meaning, in a test tube rather than in the animal
itself. In doing so, it is asserted that fixation with a toxin binder
alone is sufficient to render the respective mycotoxin harmless.
However, the detoxification process is much more complex, and
it doesn’t happen in the feed but in the gut of the animal.
In an experiment conducted at the University of Vienna in
Austria (Fruhauf et al., 2012), it was examined to what extent
various commercial toxin binders and yeast cell wall products
can absorb Zearalenone (ZEA). The experiments were conducted
using synthetic buffer solution and porcine gastrointestinal juice.
Initially, 10 milligrams (mg) of a toxin binder or Biolex®MB40
and 0.2 mg ZEA were added to a standard citrate buffer (5 ml)
with a pH value of three. Figure 1 shows that the binding capacity
after an incubation period of 24 hours in synthetic buffer is, on
one hand, relatively low, and that, on the other hand, there is
hardly any difference between the various toxin binders and yeast
products.
It was furthermore proven that an-organic substances (zeolite/
bentonite) have a rather low ZEA adsorption capacity under these
conditions.
This type of testing therefore seems unsuitable to evaluate
Neutralising mycotoxins
0
20
40
60
80
100
Bentonite Toxin
binder 1
Toxin
binder 2
Toxin
binder 3
MOS
(molasses)
Biolex®
MB40
Initially, 10 mg of a toxin binder or Biolex® MB40 and
0.2 mg ZEA were added to a standard citrate buffer (5 ml)
with a pH value of 3. Figure 1 shows that the binding capa-
city after an incubation period of 24 hours in synthetic
buffer is, on one hand, relatively low, and that, on the other
hand, there is hardly any difference between the various
toxin binders and yeast products.
Bild
Neither heating nor preserving during the processing sta-
ges can render the accumulated fungal toxins harmless.
Once the available measures in breeding, cultivation and
harvesting leading up to the production of compound ani-
mal feed have been exhausted, there is a prevailing opini-
on that mycotoxin binders can protect the animal from da-
maging effects by binding the toxins. The proof of efficacy
is usually documented using an in vitro adsorption test,
meaning, in a test tube rather than in the animal itself. In
doing so, it is asserted that fixation with a toxin binder alo-
ne is sufficient to render the respective mycotoxin harm-
less. However, the detoxification process is much more
complex, and it doesn‘t happen in the feed but in the gut
of the animal.
In an experiment conducted at the University of Vienna in
Austria (Fruhauf et al., 2012), it was examined to what ex-
tent various commercial toxin binders and yeast cell wall
products can absorb Zearalenone (ZEA). The experiments
were conducted using synthetic buffer solution and porci-
ne gastrointestinal juice.
NEUTRALIZING MYCOTOXINS - BIOLEX®
MB40 WITH
KEY FUNCTIONS INSIDE THE GUT
Environmental toxins may not only affect the health and performance of livestock to a substantial degree,
but they also pose a risk to human health. Mycotoxins in particular can enter the food chain through ani-
mal feed and foodstuffs and have a high risk potential. All over the world these fungal toxins are ever-present in agricultural
products depending on the respective crop type, weather conditions, producer region and the storage conditions. The
negative impacts of the primary toxins Deoxynivalenol (DON), Zearalenone (ZEA), Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin (OTA) are
well researched and documented. However, it remains largely unknown to what extent the interactions between these
mycotoxins and the numerous less well-researched environmental toxins pose a risk to animal health. Under these circum-
stances, one would expect to see increased susceptibility to infections, diminished immune system efficiency and an incre-
ased risk of autoimmune diseases even at very low concentrations. Especially breeder animals are at risk in the long term.
Fig.1: Adsorption capacity of toxin binders and Biolex®
MB40
in synthetic buffer solution for ZEA (%)
Merely binding mycotoxins simply
isn‘t enough
(%)
toxin binding MOS+glucan
0
20
40
60
80
100
Bentonite ToToT xin
binder 1
ToToT xin
binder 2
ToToT xin
binder 3
MOS
(molasses)
Biolex®
MB40
Initially, 10 mg of a toxin binder or Biolex® MB40 and
0.2 mg ZEA were added to a standard citrate buffer (5 ml)
with a pH value of 3. Figure 1 shows that the binding capa-
city after an incubation period of 24 hours in synthetic
buffer is, on one hand, relatively low, and that, on the other
hand, there is hardly any difference between the various
toxin binders and yeast products.
Neither heating nor preserving during the processing sta-
ges can render the accumulated fungal toxins harmless.
Once the available measures in breeding, cultivation and
harvesting leading up to the production of compound ani-
mal feed have been exhausted, there is a prevailing opini-
on that mycotoxin binders can protect the animal from da-
maging effects by binding the toxins. The proof of efficacy
is usually documented using an in vitro adsorption test,
meaning, in a test tube rather than in the animal itself. In
doing so, it is asserted that fixation with a toxin binder alo-
ne is sufficient to render the respective mycotoxin harm-
less. However, the detoxification process is much more
complex, and it doesn‘t happen in the feed but in the gut
of the animal.
In an experiment conducted at the University of Vienna in
Austria (Fruhauf et al., 2012), it was examined to what ex-
tent various commercial toxin binders and yeast cell wall
products can absorb Zearalenone (ZEA). The experiments
were conducted using synthetic buffer solution and porci-
ne gastrointestinal juice.
products depending on the respective crop type, weather conditions, producer region and the storage conditions. The
negative impacts of the primary toxins Deoxynivalenol (DON), Zearalenone (ZEA), Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin (OTA) are
well researched and documented. However, it remains largely unknown to what extent the interactions between these
mycotoxins and the numerous less well-researched environmental toxins pose a risk to animal health. Under these circum-
stances, one would expect to see increased susceptibility to infections, diminished immune system efficiency and an incre-
ased risk of autoimmune diseases even at very low concentrations. Especially breeder animals are at risk in the long term.
Fig.1: Adsorption capacity of toxin binders and Biolex®
MB40
in synthetic buffer solution for ZEA (%)
Merely binding mycotoxins simply
isn‘t enough
(%)
toxin binding MOS+glucan
Environmental toxins may not only affect the health and performance of livestock to a substantial degree,
but they also pose a risk to human health. Mycotoxins in particular can enter the food chain through ani-
BIOLEX®
MB40
0
20
40
60
80
100Biolex® MB40 is a cell wall product made from brewers‘
yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a high content of
mannans and β-glucans. For one, these two specific subs-
tances have a high adsorption capacity; on the other hand,
many studies have proven the immunomodulating proper-
ties of 1.3-1.6-β-glucans. Prebiotic characteristics of these
mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) can also promote the sta-
bilization of the gut by supporting an intact microflora.
Activating the gut and strengthening
the intestinal barrier
It was furthermore proven that anorganic substances (zeo-
lite/bentonite) have a rather low ZEA adsorption capacity
under these conditions.
This type of testing therefore seems unsuitable to evaluate
the performance of mycotoxin binders. Furthermore, it can
be assumed that simple adsorbents also bind other essen-
tial nutrients without promoting the detoxification process
in the gut.
Under these
between the
and their effi
ning approx.
good adsorp
and also the
Furthermore,
ZEA was pro
(Fig. 3).
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Bentonite Toxin
binder 1
Toxin
binder 2
Toxin
binder 3
MOS
(molasses)
Biolex®
MB40
Fig.2: Adsorption of ZEA to toxin binders and Biolex®
MB40 in
gastrointestinal juice of piglets depending on the mannan
and glucan content (%)
(%)
toxin binding MOS+glucan
Fig.3: Binding
anorgan
(%)
x
In the 2nd phase of the trial, the University of Vienna has
tested the adsorption capacity of various toxin binders and
However, the
be sufficient
therefore rath
damaging at
proving the b
in Biolex® M
on the intest
“tight junction
epithelial cel
fluids from th
ned. Due to
much more
bentonit
1
by Dr Jan Frericks, Leiber GmbH, Germany
54 | September 2015 - Milling and Grain
F

2. the performance of mycotoxin binders. Furthermore, it can be
assumed that simple adsorbents also bind other essential nutrients
without promoting the detoxification process in the gut.
Activating the gut and strengthening the intestinal
barrier
Biolex® MB40 is a cell wall product made from brewers’ yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a high content of mannans and
β-glucans. For one, these two specific substances have a high
adsorption capacity; on the other hand, many studies have proven
the immunomodulating proper- ties of 1.3-1.6-β-glucans.
Prebiotic characteristics of these mannan oligosaccharides
(MOS) can also promote the stabilisation of the gut by supporting
an intact microflora.
Under these more realistic conditions, a clear correlation
between the mannan and glucan content of the products and
their efficacy was confirmed. Biolex® MB40 - containing
approximately 50 percent mannans and glucans - has shown very
good adsorption capacity compared to the toxin binders and also
the MOS - product made from molasses (Fig. 2). Furthermore,
the low efficacy of Bentonite/Zeolite against ZEA was proven
again even under these test conditions (Fig. 3).
However, the sole fixation of the toxins in the gut will not be
sufficient to eliminate their harmful health effects. It is therefore
rather necessary to protect the animal from their damaging attack.
In the gut, this can be achieved by improving the barrier function
of the intestine. Yeast cell walls in Biolex® MB40 create, on one
hand, a protective biofilm on the intestinal mucosa.
On the other hand the so-called “tight junctions” which
function as “door openers“ between epithelial cells and regulate
the transfer of nutrients and fluids from the bowel into the
bloodstream, are strengthened. Due to this barrier created by
Biolex® MB40, it is much more difficult for the mycotoxins to
get into the bloodstream.
In the second phase of the trial, the University of Vienna has
tested the adsorption capacity of various toxin binders and
Biolex® MB40 under conditions very similar to those present in
the gastrointestinal tract of swine. To do so, Biolex® MB40 was
compared to mycotoxin binders established on the market in the
gastrointestinal juice of swine.
The key function inside the gut-neutralising mycotoxins
The detoxification of mycotoxins is a complex multifactorial
process. The important factor is not the adsorption, but the
neutralisation of the detrimental effect of the mycotoxins in the
gut. The β-glucans of the yeast cell play an important role in
this process. Together with the mannans, their prebiotic action
initially activates a specialised microflora, which is then enabled
to hydrolyse the mycotoxins, thereby converting or breaking
them down into other harmless products.
It was furthermore shown, that characteristic receptors of the
β-glucan molecule not only trigger an immune response, but
that they are also able to recognise corresponding mycotoxin
structures and to fixate them. One immediate result, for example,
is that dangerous Deoxynivalenol (DON) is prevented from
entering the bloodstream, and yet another is that the immune
system can attack and break it down more efficiently just like a
pathogen.
This multibiotic neutralisation process has also been confirmed
in a study conducted by the Institute of Animal Nutrition of
the Federal Agricultural Research Centre in Braunschweig
(in 2007): weaner piglets weighing 8 - 21 kilograms were fed
Milling and Grain - September 2015 | 55
F
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R-Biopharm Rhône Ltd.
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in a few minutes. The RIDA®QUICK
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3. standard rearing feed with DON-contaminated triticale (35 mg
DON/kg), resulting in a DON concentration of 5.25 mg per kg
feed in the final feed ration.
Subsequently, the blood serum levels of the intact, aggressive
DON and the concentration of the less harmful breakdown
product DE-epoxy-DON were determined.
Figure 4 impressively illustrates that the “carry-over” of DON
in the feed into the bloodstream via the intestine is reduced
by almost 50 percent. This can certainly be explained with the
adsorptive capacity and epithelium-protective properties of
Biolex® MB40. Of much greater importance to the evaluation,
however, is the prevention of epoxy-DON entering the blood
serum of piglets. β-glucan from cell walls of brewers‘ yeast did
not only strengthening the mycotoxin barrier of the intestinal
epithelium in this experiment, but also the breakdown and
detoxification of DON and epoxy-DON by up to 100 percent.
The marked increase in the growth of lymphocytes and
monocytes in the same experiment could be interpreted
as an indication of the mycotoxin being eliminated by an
immunological process.
ny
Biolex® MB40 binds mycotoxins
effectively.
Biolex® MB40 prevents damage to
the intestinal barrier by mycotoxins.
β-glucans of the yeast cell wall in
Biolex® MB40 stimulate the
deactivation of mycotoxins in the gut.
Conclusion Biolex® MB40:
Prebiotic components of Biolex® MB40 sup-
port the microbial break-down of
mycotoxins in the gut.
multifactorial
tion, but the
ycotoxins in
n important
ns, their pre-
oflora, which
thereby con-
armless pro-
eristic recep-
an immune
e correspon-
ne immedia-
oxynivalenol
am, and yet
and break it
en confirmed
trition of the
eig (in 2007):
dard rearing
ON/kg), resul-
d in the final
of the intact,
less harmful
mined. Figure
N in the feed
by almost 50
tive capacity
® MB40. Of
wever, is the
um of piglets.
id not only
tinal epitheli-
nd detoxifica-
ytes and mo-
preted as an
by an immu-
- Biolex® MB40 can efficiently contribute to minimizing the
cellular toxicity – for the health and strength of our livestock.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
DON epo-DON
Fig. 4: Effect of β-glucan from yeast cell walls on DON and
De-epoxy-DON content in the blood serum of piglets (n=16)
(ng/ml)
* significant differences p < 0.05
*
control ß-glucan
0
20
40
60
80
100
Biolex®
MB40
from brewers‘
gh content of
specific subs-
he other hand,
ulating proper-
istics of these
omote the sta-
microflora.
hening
le to evaluate
ermore, it can
d other essen-
cation process
ning approx. 50 % mannans and glucans – has shown very
good adsorption capacity compared to the toxin binders
and also the MOS-product made from molasses (Fig. 2).
Furthermore, the low efficacy of Bentonite/Zeolite against
ZEA was proven again even under these test conditions
(Fig. 3).
OS
lasses)
Biolex®
MB40
x®
MB40 in
n the mannan
MOS+glucan
ashtoxin binding
Fig.3: Binding capacity of Biolex®
MB40 for ZEA compared to
anorganic toxin binders (%)
(%)
x
x
xxx
x
x
of Vienna has
n binders and
r to those pre-
e. To do so,
binders estab-
uice of swine.
However, the sole fixation of the toxins in the gut will not
be sufficient to eliminate their harmful health effects. It is
therefore rather necessary to protect the animal from their
damaging attack. In the gut, this can be achieved by im-
proving the barrier function of the intestine. Yeast cell walls
in Biolex® MB40 create, on one hand, a protective biofilm
on the intestinal mucosa. On the other hand, the so-called
“tight junctions“, which function as “door openers“ between
epithelial cells and regulate the transfer of nutrients and
fluids from the bowel into the bloodstream, are strengthe-
ned. Due to this barrier created by Biolex® MB40, it is
much more difficult for the mycotoxins to get into the
bloodstream.
bentonite
1
bentonite
2
bentonite
3
bentonite
4
bentonite
5
16.04.15 13:08
56 | September 2015 - Milling and Grain
F
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