Reduction of TSNAs Content in Tobacco Leaves Using Bacillus Application Methods

Purpose To study the effects of application methods of Bacillus pumilus 05-5402 and B. altitudinis J54 on the content of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in tobacco leaves.

Methods The TSNAs-degrading strains were applied to the growing burley and Han tobacco plants, and the mature tobacco leaves were harvested and dried to detect the TSNAs content. The flue-cured tobacco was further fermented with the strains, and the effects of different fermentation methods on the TSNAs content in tobacco leaves were analyzed.

Results 1) During the growth period of sun-cured tobacco, the content of TSNAs in tobacco leaves could be extremely significantly reduced by the application of Bacillus strains. Among them, 05-5402 exhibited a higher degradation efficiency of TSNAs in burley tobacco, ranging from 54.75% to 60.78%; while J54 exhibited a higher degradation efficiency of TSNAs in Han tobacco, ranging from 53.23% to 63.18%. 2) Compared with solid-state fermentation, liquid-state fermentation was more efficient in degrading TSNAs. 05-5402 could significantly reduce 31.99% of TSNAs, and J54 could significantly reduce 35.86% of TSNAs.

Conclusion B. pumilus 05-5402 and B. altitudinis J54 can effectively reduce the TSNAs content in tobacco leaves, and they are effective under various treatment methods.