Nanomaterials in food industry for the protection from mycotoxins: an update

Application of Cystoseira myrica phycosynthesized selenium nanoparticles incorporated with nano-chitosan to control aflatoxigenic fungi in fish feed

BACKGROUND

The recurrent contaminations of feed materials with mycotoxigenic fungi can endanger both farmed animals and humans. Biosynthesized nanomaterials are assumingly the ideal agents to overcome fungal invasion in feed/foodstuffs, especially when utilizing sustainable sources for synthesis. Herein, the phycosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) was targeted using Cystoseira myrica algal extract (CE), and the conjugation of CE/SeNPs with chitosan nanoparticles (NCt) to produce potential antifungal nanocomposites for controlling Aspergillus flavus isolates in fish feed.

RESULTS

The phycosynthesis of SeNPs with CE was effectually carried out and validated using visible/UV analysis, X-ray diffraction and transmission microscopy; CE/SeNPs had diameters of 8.7 nm and spherical shapes. NCt/CE/SeNPs nanocomposite (173.3 nm mean diameter) was achieved and the component interactions were validated via infrared spectroscopic analysis. The antifungal assessment of screened nanomaterials against three Aspergillus flavus strains indicated that NCt/CE/SeNPs exceeded the fluconazole action using qualitative/quantitative assays. Severe alteration/distortions in A. flavus mycelial structure and morphology were microscopically observed within 48 h of NCt/CE/SeNPs treatment. The treatment of feed ingredients (crushed corn and feed powder) by blending with nanomaterials (NCt, CE/SeNPs and NCt/CE/SeNPs) led to significant reduction in A. flavus count/growth after storage for 7 days; NCt/CE/SeNPs could completely inhibit any fungal growth in feed material.

CONCLUSION

The pioneering phycosynthesis of CE/SeNPs and their nanoconjugation with NCt generated bioactive antifungal agents to control A. flavus strains. The innovatively constructed NCt/CE/SeNPs nanocomposite is advised for application as an effectual, biosafe and natural fungicidal conjugate for the protection of fish feed from mycotoxigenic fungi. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Aflatoxins in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea): Prevalence, Global Health Concern, and Management from an Innovative Nanotechnology Approach: A Mechanistic Repertoire and Future Direction

Arachis hypogaea is the most significant oilseed nutritious legume crop in agricultural trade across the world. It is recognized as a valued crop for its contributions to nourishing food, as a cooking oil, and for meeting the protein needs of people who are unable to afford animal protein. Currently, its production, marketability, and consumption are hindered because of Aspergillus species infection that consequently contaminates the kernels with aflatoxins. Regarding health concerns, humans and animals are affected by acute and chronic aflatoxin toxicity and millions of people are at high risk of chronic levels. Most methods used to store peanuts are traditional and serve effectively for short-term storage. Now the question for long-term storage has been raised, and this promptly finds potential approaches to the issue. It is imperative to reduce the aflatoxin levels in peanuts to a permissible level by introducing detoxifying innovations. Most of the detoxification reports mention physical, chemical, and biological techniques. However, many current approaches are impractical because of time consumption, loss of nutritional quality, or weak detoxifying efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate practical, economical, and green methods to control Aspergillus flavus that address current global food security problems. Herein, a green and economically revolutionary way is a nanotechnology that has demonstrated its potential to connect farmers to markets, elevate international marketability, improve human and animal health conditions, and enhance food quality and safety by the management of fungal diseases. Due to the antimicrobial potential of nanoparticles, they act as nanofungicides and have an incredible role in the control of aflatoxins. Nanoparticles have ultrasmall sizes and therefore penetrate the fungal body and invade the pathogen machinery, leading to fungal cell death by ROS production, mutation in DNA, disruption of organelles, and membrane leakage. This is the first mechanistic overview that unveils a comprehensive insight into aflatoxin contamination in peanuts, its prevalence, health effects, and management in addition to nanotechnological interventions that serve as a triple defense approach to detoxify aflatoxins. The optimum use of nanofungicides ensures food safety and the development of goals, especially "zero hunger".

Unveiling the Potential of Bioinoculants and Nanoparticles in Sustainable Agriculture for Enhanced Plant Growth and Food Security

The increasing public concern over the negative impacts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on food security and sustainability has led to exploring innovative methods that offer both environmental and agricultural benefits. One such innovative approach is using plant-growth-promoting bioinoculants that involve bacteria, fungi, and algae. These living microorganisms are applied to soil, seeds, or plant surfaces and can enhance plant development by increasing nutrient availability and defense against plant pathogens. However, the application of biofertilizers in the field faced many challenges and required conjunction with innovative delivering approaches. Nanotechnology has gained significant attention in recent years due to its numerous applications in various fields, such as medicine, drug development, catalysis, energy, and materials. Nanoparticles with small sizes and large surface areas (1-100 nm) have numerous potential functions. In sustainable agriculture, the development of nanochemicals has shown promise as agents for plant growth, fertilizers, and pesticides. The use of nanomaterials is being considered as a solution to control plant pests, including insects, fungi, and weeds. In the food industry, nanoparticles are used as antimicrobial agents in food packaging, with silver nanomaterials being particularly interesting. However, many nanoparticles (Ag, Fe, Cu, Si, Al, Zn, ZnO, TiO2, CeO2, Al2O3, and carbon nanotubes) have been reported to negatively affect plant growth. This review focuses on the effects of nanoparticles on beneficial plant bacteria and their ability to promote plant growth. Implementing novel sustainable strategies in agriculture, biofertilizers, and nanoparticles could be a promising solution to achieve sustainable food production while reducing the negative environmental impacts.

Remediation Strategies for Mycotoxins in Animal Feed

Mycotoxins occur widely in various animal feedstuffs, with more than 500 mycotoxins identified so far [...].