A Review of the Functional Mechanisms of Nanomaterials in the Suppression of Mycotoxins in Food

Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites with toxic and carcinogenic effects, posing a major global challenge to food safety by contaminating food and feed. The chemical stability and thermal resistance of these compounds have rendered conventional decontamination methods only partially effective. In recent years, nanomaterials have emerged as a novel strategy for mycotoxin management due to their unique characteristics, such as high specific surface area, tunable surface properties, and catalytic activity. This review article examines three primary approaches in the application of nanomaterials: (۱) Inhibition of mycotoxin-producing fungal growth using metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles, which act through membrane damage, ion release, and generation of reactive oxygen species; (۲) Adsorption and sequestration of mycotoxins by nano-adsorbents like Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), magnetic nanoparticles, and molecularly imprinted polymers; and (۳) Degradation of mycotoxin structures via photocatalytic processes employing TiO۲, ZnO, and carbon-based materials. The findings indicate that these strategies can be effective under laboratory conditions and in some food matrices. However, challenges such as potential toxicity, effects on product quality, scalability, and regulatory hurdles continue to impede widespread commercialization. Nevertheless, nanomaterials offer a promising avenue for enhancing food safety and mitigating the risks posed by mycotoxins.

کلیدواژه ها:

Mycotoxins ، Nanomaterials ، Photocatalysis ، Nano-adsorption