Environmentally friendly detoxification of pistachios from aflatoxins using citric acid and Glycine-based bio-MOF

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic compounds that pose significant risks to food safety. Traditional removal methods often face challenges such as high chemical consumption, harsh conditions, and potential toxic byproducts. Eco-friendly solutions, such as solid-phase extraction with recyclable nanostructures, present a promising alternative due to their effectiveness, low cost, and minimal toxicity. In this study, an organic linker was synthesized from non-toxic compounds. This linker was then combined with CuCl₂ for the preparation of a novel bio-MOF. The organic linker and bio-MOF were characterized. The bio-MOF's performance in removing aflatoxins from spiked solutions and contaminated pistachio extracts was evaluated under optimal conditions with aflatoxin concentrations measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the bio-MOF effectively removed over 95 % of aflatoxins in t < 10 min. Additionally, the recycled bio-MOF, after washing with solvent and reuse, maintained a significant portion of its efficiency, losing approximately 20 % of its initial performance after five consecutive uses.