Greener Solutions in Aflatoxin Management: Transitioning from Conventional Binders to Green Nanotechnology

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Environmental Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Aflatoxins (AFs) are toxic fungal metabolites from Aspergillus species contaminating food and feed.
• AFs pose significant health risks, causing aflatoxicosis in humans and animals.
• Traditional AF management methods are costly and can introduce harmful chemicals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review toxin binders for aflatoxin mitigation.
• To explore green nanotechnology as a sustainable alternative for aflatoxin management.
• To examine nanoparticle biosynthesis and efficacy against aflatoxin-producing fungi.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of toxin binders and aflatoxin management strategies.
• Analysis of green nanotechnology approaches, including nanoparticle biosynthesis using plant extracts.
• Evaluation of nanoparticle efficacy in inhibiting aflatoxin-producing fungi and toxins.

Main Results:

• Green nanotechnology, particularly biosynthesized nanoparticles, shows high efficacy in inhibiting aflatoxin-producing fungi and toxins.
• Nanoparticles demonstrate minimal toxicity to human health and the environment.
• Nano-encapsulation with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) presents a future direction for enhanced interventions.

Conclusions:

• Green nanotechnology offers a promising, sustainable, and eco-friendly approach to aflatoxin management.
• Biosynthesized nanoparticles are effective inhibitors of aflatoxin production.
• Further research into nano-encapsulation can lead to more potent aflatoxin control strategies.