Nanofabricated essential oils as a green antifungal agent for the management of aflatoxin B1-producing Aspergillus flavus

Abstract

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is one of the most common and toxic fungal secondary metabolites in agri-food commodities. AFB₁ has been considered a global threat to food safety and is categorized as a Class 1 human carcinogen. In recent years, due to health concerns associated with currently used synthetic chemicals, a substantial increase in demand for safer alternatives has been observed. In this context, traditionally used plant essential oils (EOs) exhibit remarkable antimicrobial efficacy and could serve as green chemicals to control AFB₁-producing Aspergillus species. EOs and their nanofabricated formulations often exhibited potent antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic effects by disrupting fungal cell integrity and simultaneously downregulating aflatoxin biosynthesis genes. Advances in science and technology, especially in molecular biology and nanotechnology, are rejuvenating the industrial application of essential oil-based antimicrobial agents. The use of nanotechnology has extensively helped to overcome major drawbacks such as intense aroma, high volatility, and low dispersibility. This review provides an overview of AFB₁ contamination in agri-food commodities, its biosynthesis, and toxicity. It also discusses the potential use of recent nanotechnological application to enhance the industrial application of EOs-based green antifungal agent for controlling AFB₁-producing Aspergillus species, along with existing limitations of nanomaterials, encapsulated EOs, regulatory affairs, and future perspectives.