Abstract:[Objective] This study aims to determine the optimal solid-state fermentation conditions for the removal of zearalenone (ZEN) from corn gluten feed by Aspergillus niger (A. niger) FS10. [Method]With the removal rate of ZEN as the indicator, single-factor experiments and response surface method were employed to optimize the key fermentation parameters (inoculation volume-to-mass ratio, fermentation temperature, fermentation duration, and solid-to-liquid ratio). Furthermore, changes in mass fractions of key nutritional components in corn gluten feed before and after solid-state fermentation under the optimal conditions were analyzed. [Result] The optimal fermentation conditions were established as follows: an inoculation volume-to-mass ratio of 120 μL∶1 g, a fermentation temperature of 26 ℃, fermentation duration of 5.5 d, and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1 g∶1.4 mL. Under these conditions, the removal rate of ZEN reached (70.04±1.88)%. The mass fraction of crude protein in corn gluten feed increased from (19.92±0.20)% before fermentation to (21.94±0.42)% after fermentation, while the mass fraction of total amino acids rose from (16.240±0.165)% to (18.510±0.034)%. [Conclusion]A. niger FS10 not only efficiently removes ZEN from corn gluten feed but also enhances its nutritional value as animal feed. The findings provide a scientific basis for the sustainable utilization and exploitation of corn gluten feed despite ZEN contamination.
