Microbiological approaches for mycotoxin decontamination in foods and feeds to enhance food security: a review

Mycotoxins are a major food safety concern due to their impact on human health and the economy. Traditional methods for managing mycotoxin contamination in food are insufficient, particularly when faced with the challenges of co-occurring, modified, and emerging mycotoxins. This review investigates the potential of microbiological decontamination techniques with an emphasis on recent developments in molecular biology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence (AI). Investigating mycotoxin-degrading microbes, including their metabolic pathways and enzymatic mechanisms, is key to developing effective strategies against mycotoxin contamination. Advanced technologies like next-generation sequencing, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), and nanotechnology enable the engineering, optimization, and validation of crucial decontamination parameters. Furthermore, AI algorithms can predict mycotoxin presence, identify ideal microbial agents, and optimize control conditions. This interdisciplinary approach offers transformative potential for improving mycotoxin decontamination and mitigating its risks in food and feed. The convergence of emerging technologies, such as advancements in molecular biology, nanotechnology, and AI, with microbiological decontamination methods holds immense promise for developing more sustainable and effective approaches to address mycotoxin contamination in the future. This review explores the future of mycotoxin decontamination, emphasizing the need for innovative agricultural practices to ensure food safety and security.