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Green CuO/ZnO Nanoparticles: Reducing AFB1 Translocation and Accumulation in Maize
Simangele Colile Ngwenya1, Nkanyiso Justice Sithole2, Doctor Mziwenkosi Nhlanhla Mthiyane3
1Department of Agricultural Research and Specialist Services, Ministry of Agriculture; Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, Crop Science Department, North-West University; Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University.
Green synthesized copper oxide/zinc oxide nanoparticles effectively reduced aflatoxin B1 in maize by preventing soil toxin translocation. This sustainable soil amendment enhances food safety and mitigates health risks from aflatoxin contamination.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a dangerous carcinogen from Aspergillus species contaminating maize, posing health risks.
- Current post-harvest and chemical methods for AFB1 control are often inefficient and costly.
- Preventing soil-borne toxin uptake during plant growth is crucial for food safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess green-synthesized copper oxide/zinc oxide (CuO/ZnO) hybrid nanoparticles as a pre-harvest soil amendment.
- To evaluate the efficacy of these nanoparticles in inhibiting AFB1 translocation and accumulation in maize.
- To determine the potential of CuO/ZnO NPs to reduce AFB1 levels in edible maize grains.
Main Methods:
- Field trials using a randomized complete block design with maize grown in AFB1-inoculated soil.
- Application of varying concentrations of green synthesized CuO/ZnO hybrid nanoparticles (0-125 mg/kg) as a soil amendment.
- Analysis of AFB1 concentrations in plant tissues at different growth stages using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Main Results:
- Treatment with 125 mg/kg of green CuO/ZnO hybrid NPs significantly reduced AFB1 concentrations (p < 0.05) across all maize growth stages.
- AFB1 levels in maize were reduced by 68% (vegetative), 82% (flowering), and 76% (maturity) at one site.
- Grain AFB1 levels decreased to 6.91 ppb, significantly lowering estimated human daily intake and associated health risks.
Conclusions:
- Green synthesized CuO/ZnO hybrid nanoparticles are effective bioremediation agents against AFB1.
- This nanotechnology approach offers a sustainable, eco-friendly strategy to prevent toxin translocation into edible plant parts.
- The study highlights a promising method for enhancing food security and reducing AFB1 exposure in contaminated regions.
