Chapter 23 - Silver nanoparticles applications and ecotoxicology for controlling mycotoxins

Abstract

Nanotechnology in modern agriculture and food system practices is a relatively new and rapidly evolving area. Currently, the agricultural sector suffers significant food contamination mainly attributed by fungal growth with subsequent mycotoxin production that contributes to substantial adverse environmental consequences affecting food security and availability in global demand on an already stressed system. There are overwhelming evidence that consumption of mycotoxins contaminated food and feed is detrimental to human/animal health. To circumvent fungal and mycotoxins challenges, there is a pronounced tangible opportunity for engineered nanomaterials and nanotechnologies to have a positive impact in the agriculture sector. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received considerable attention due to their multimodal antimicrobial activity in controlling mycotoxins. Given the current trajectory, herein, we review our overarching understanding of current applications of AgNPs in agriculture and food systems utilized to control mycotoxins and sought to evaluate life cycle assessments of AgNPs linked to ecotoxicology for ensuring the development of sustainable AgNPs-enabled agricultural applications.