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

TL;DR

This paper reviews green nanotechnology as a safer and more effective alternative to traditional methods for managing aflatoxin contamination in food.

Contribution

The paper introduces green nanotechnology as a novel and sustainable approach for aflatoxin mitigation with minimal environmental and health risks.

Findings

Green nanotechnology shows high efficacy in inhibiting aflatoxin-producing fungi.

Nano-encapsulation with β-cyclodextrin is proposed as a promising future direction for aflatoxin management.

Traditional toxin binders are often costly and may introduce harmful chemicals into food.

Abstract

Aflatoxins (AFs) are toxic metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) and Aspergillus parasiticus (A. parasiticus) that contaminate food and feed, posing serious health risks to humans and animals. Consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foods can cause aflatoxicosis, a serious condition characterised by acute or chronic toxicity. Due to their prevalence, especially in humid regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, proper management is essential for food safety and public health. While traditional methods for controlling aflatoxins can be effective, they are often costly and may introduce harmful chemicals into food, posing risks to the environment and human health. This review paper extensively analyses the toxin binders used to mitigate aflatoxin contamination, discussing their mechanisms of action and effectiveness. It also explores the transition from traditional aflatoxin management strategies to greener alternatives, with a focus on the emerging field of green nanotechnology. Additionally, this paper examines the biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using metal salt solutions and plant extracts, and their efficacy as inhibitors of aflatoxin-producing fungi and their toxins, demonstrating high effectiveness with minimal toxicity to human health and the environment. Furthermore, the article explores the integration of green nanotechnology into sustainable aflatoxin management and discusses future research directions for developing even more potent interventions through nano-encapsulation with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD).

Figures