Nanotechnology in aflatoxin management: emerging tools for rapid detection and post-harvest control in grains

Aflatoxin contamination in stored grains due to its severe health effects, economic losses, and persistence under post-harvest conditions remains a critical global food safety challenge. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, poses significant mutagenic, hepatotoxic, and immunosuppressive risks. Conventional detection techniques including HPLC, LC-MS, and ELISA offer high sensitivity but are limited by complex instrumentation, lack of field applicability and high cost. Recent advancements in nanotechnology for rapid detection and effective mitigation of aflatoxins provide transformative solutions. The present review comprehensively discusses nanoparticle-based biosensors including metallic nanoparticles, carbon and graphene quantum dots, up-conversion nanoparticles, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) techniques for ultra-sensitive and onsite detection of AFB1. Detection limits ranging from pg/mL to ng/mL levels demonstrate the excellent analytical performance of nanotechnology-driven systems. Furthermore, nanocomposites, nano-encapsulated antifungal agents, green-synthesized nanoparticles, and nanoparticle-mediated RNA interference approaches for their role in suppressing fungal growth and inhibiting aflatoxin biosynthesis are emphasized. Mechanistic insights reveal that nanoparticles induce reactive oxygen species generation, gene downregulation in aflatoxin biosynthetic pathways, and structural toxin degradation. Additionally, nanocomposite-based grain storage materials improve barrier properties, reducing moisture and fungal proliferation. Despite promising advancements, concerns regarding nanoparticle toxicity, environmental accumulation, regulatory compliance, and large-scale implementation remain critical challenges. Overall, nanotechnology offers a multifunctional, sensitive, and sustainable strategy for strengthening aflatoxin detection, detoxification, and post-harvest management systems, thereby enhancing global grain safety and food security.