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

The chitosan nanomatrix incorporated with Cymbopogon citratus essential oil (Ne-CcEO) possess enhanced efficacy against the food-borne molds and aflatoxin B-1 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, mitochondria) membrane potential, antioxidant defense, carbon source metabolism, methylglyoxal, and laeA gene in response to treatment of Ne-CcEO (0.5 mu l/ml). In addition, Ne-CcEO significantly protects the deterioration of Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. seed samples by A. fiavus, aflatoxin B-1 contamination, and lipid peroxidation. The Ne-CcEO could be considered as promising antifungal additives for the control of food-borne molds and aflatoxin B-1 contamination in the food system.

Automated summary

The encapsulation of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in chitosan nanomatrix showed enhanced efficacy against food-borne molds and aflatoxin B-1 production. The nanomatrix exhibited interference in various metabolic pathways and gene expression in response to treatment, suggesting its potential as antifungal additives in food systems.