Solid-state fermentation of Lathyrus sativus seeds using Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus oligosporus sp T-3 to eliminate the neurotoxin β-ODAP without loss of nutritional value

The presence of a neurotoxic amino acid, 3-N-oxalyl-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid (β-ODAP), in the seeds of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) is the cause of an irreversible spastic paraparesis, neurolathyrism, after over-consumption. This is a negative factor in an otherwise very tasty, nutritious, easily cultivated and hardy food crop in Asia and Africa. The reduction of β-ODAP to less than 10% of the original content has been reached by fermenting L sativas Jamalpur seeds with Aspergillus oryzae NRRL 1988 for 48 h, followed by fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus sp T-3 for 48 h. Other nutritional qualities were also improved in the fermented seed meal: increased content of protein, higher amino acid scores for sulphur-containing and aromatic amino acids, better resistance to high temperature and to oxidation, and drastic reduction of the flatulence factors.