Deactivation of mycotoxins. I. An in vitro study of zearalenone adsorption on new polymeric adsorbents.

This study describes the elimination of zearalenone concentrations in vitro using two new polymeric forms of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (cryogels of cross-linked PVP). Adsorption of zearalenone was studied under isothermal conditions and simulating pH of intestinal environment. A Freundlich isotherm was used to describe the adsorption data obtained. The results showed significant decrease of zearalenone concentrations, ranging from 33.5-66.2% per 25 mg of polymer. Adsorption capacity (k) was estimated to be higher than that of previously tested adsorbents, including crospovidone. The data indicate the need to investigate structure peculiarities in order to improve mycotoxin deactivation procedures using PVP derivatives.