Assessing the efficacy of chitosan nanomatrix incorporated with Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf essential oil against the food-borne molds and aflatoxin B1 production in food system

Abstract

The chitosan nanomatrix incorporated with Cymbopogon citratus essential oil (Ne-CcEO) possess enhanced efficacy against the food-borne molds and aflatoxin B1 production compared to free essential oil. The CcEO was encapsulated inside the chitosan nanomatrix with an average size 147.41 ± 16.18 nm and characterized by Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction assay. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were ranged between (41.68–76.78%) and (5.3–8.80%). The biochemical and in-silico analysis results revealed the interference in functioning of membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, antioxidant defense, carbon source metabolism, methylglyoxal, and laeA gene in response to treatment of Ne-CcEO (0.5 μl/ml). In addition, Ne-CcEO significantly protects the deterioration of Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. seed samples by A. flavus, aflatoxin B1 contamination, and lipid peroxidation. The Ne-CcEO could be considered as promising antifungal additives for the control of food-borne molds and aflatoxin B1 contamination in the food system.