Microbial and enzymatic strategies for aflatoxin control: Integrating intelligent detection and computational design

Aflatoxins (AFs), potent carcinogenic mycotoxins, pose a major global threat to human health. This review offers an in-depth summary of microorganisms capable of degrading AFs, including bacteria, probiotics, and fungi, and highlights the key enzymes responsible for detoxification. We propose an integrated system combining smartphone-based detection, machine learning-driven enzyme discovery, and computationally optimized biocatalyst design for effective AFs mitigation. Microbial degraders facilitate aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) detoxification through extracellular enzymatic activity or cell surface adsorption mechanisms. Enzymes such as laccase, peroxidase, reductase, and lactonase effectively convert AFB1 into less toxic metabolites. However, industrial application of AFs-degrading enzymes remains constrained by their instability and insufficient efficiency. Emerging technologies, including machine learning-driven enzyme discovery and computer-aided protein engineering demonstrate significant potential for enhancing enzyme performance. This review highlights that integrating intelligent detection systems with computer-aided enzyme design offers a transformative framework for proactive AF control throughout food and feed supply chains.