High-performance fabricated nano-adsorbents as emerging approach for removal of mycotoxins: a review

Mycotoxins are highly toxic secondary metabolites produced by food-borne fungi that can contaminate food and feed. The occurrence of mycotoxins in contaminated foodstuff can lead to serious health risks for both humans and animals, and this has attracted research interest in developing novel approaches to decontaminate mycotoxins for food safety. One of the effective ways to prevent food contamination against mycotoxins is based on efficiency adsorption. The removal of adsorbents in different food samples is a challenge that if addressed properly would enable us to overcome the contamination of multi-mycotoxins. Recently, nano-adsorbents and their various combinations seem to be a promising tool for capturing and removing mycotoxins from contaminated samples thanks to their excellent performance. Therefore, we have reviewed the latest literature on nano-adsorbents based on graphene derivatives, nanoclays, inorganic hybrid nanocomposite and metal-organic frameworks for the removal of fungal toxins at both academic and industrial levels. Their synthesis, performance, security and adsorption mechanisms were summarised systematically in this study. Our work aims to provide an extensive overview of nano-adsorbents for mycotoxin elimination, present the limitations in current research and inspire the instructive research focus on mycotoxins control in the future.

Automated summary

Mycotoxins are highly toxic secondary metabolites produced by food-borne fungi that can contaminate food and feed, posing serious health risks. Nano-adsorbents, particularly in combination forms, show promising results for removing mycotoxins. This study presents a systematic review of the latest literature on various nano-adsorbents for mycotoxin elimination, summarizing their synthesis, performance, security, and adsorption mechanisms. It aims to provide an extensive overview, highlight limitations in current research, and inspire future research on mycotoxin control.