Dual-function natural biopolymers for aflatoxin M₁: adsorption and diagnostic applications in milk

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) is a carcinogenic contaminant found in milk, posing significant food safety risks.
• AFM₁ is stable during milk processing, necessitating effective mitigation and detection strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a natural biopolymer system for simultaneous AFM₁ mitigation and detection in milk.
• To determine the prevalence of AFM₁ in raw buffalo and cow milk in Giza Governorate, Egypt.
• To evaluate the performance of a novel biopolymer complex for AFM₁ adsorption and signal enhancement.

Main Methods:

• Assessed total mould counts, milk composition, and somatic cell count (SCC).
• Quantified AFM₁ using validated thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods.
• Evaluated the efficacy of a natural biopolymer complex (chitosan, β-cyclodextrin, AFM₁-specific antibodies, anthocyanins) for AFM₁ reduction and detection.

Main Results:

• AFM₁ contamination was detected in 28% of buffalo milk and 56% of cow milk samples.
• The biopolymer achieved significant AFM₁ reductions: 65-73% in buffalo milk and 83-90% in cow milk.
• Anthocyanins in the biopolymer provided concentration-dependent diagnostic signals, and treated milk retained acceptable organoleptic properties.

Conclusions:

• The natural biopolymer system demonstrates dual functionality for both mitigating AFM₁ contamination and enhancing diagnostic signals in milk.
• This approach offers a reliable method for routine milk safety monitoring and control of aflatoxin contamination.
• The study highlights the potential of natural biopolymers as effective tools in food safety applications.