Browsing by Author "Akash Maurya"

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Advances in Designing Essential Oil Nanoformulations: An Integrative Approach to Mathematical Modeling with Potential Application in Food Preservation
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2023) Monisha Soni; Arati Yadav; Akash Maurya; Somenath Das; Nawal Kishore Dubey; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy
Preservation of foods, along with health and safety issues, is a growing concern in the current generation. Essential oils have emerged as a natural means for the long-term protection of foods along with the maintenance of their qualities. Direct applications of essential oils have posed various constraints to the food system and also have limitations in application; hence, encapsulation of essential oils into biopolymers has been recognized as a cutting-edge technology to overcome these challenges. This article presents and evaluates the strategies for the development of encapsulated essential oils on the basis of fascination with the modeling and shuffling of various biopolymers, surfactants, and co-surfactants, along with the utilization of different fabrication processes. Artificial intelligence and machine learning have enabled the preparation of different nanoemulsion formulations, synthesis strategies, stability, and release kinetics of essential oils or their bioactive components from nanoemulsions with improved efficacy in food systems. Different mathematical models for the stability and delivery kinetics of essential oils in food systems have also been discussed. The article also explains the advanced application of modeling-based encapsulation strategies on the preservation of a variety of food commodities with their intended implication in food and agricultural industries. © 2023 by the authors.
Chitosan encompassed Aniba rosaeodora essential oil as innovative green candidate for antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity in millets with emphasis on cellular and its mode of action
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2022) Bijendra Kumar Singh; Anand Kumar Chaudhari; Somenath Das; Shikha Tiwari; Akash Maurya; Vipin Kumar Singh; Nawal Kishore Dubey
The present study demonstrates first time investigation on encapsulation of Aniba rosaeodora essential oil into chitosan nanoemulsion (AREO-CsNe) with the aim of improvement of its antifungal, and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) inhibitory performance in real food system. The GC–MS analysis of AREO revealed the presence of linalool (81.46%) as a major component. The successful encapsulation of EO into CsNe was confirmed through SEM, FTIR, and XRD analysis. The in-vitro release study showed the controlled release of AREO. AREO-CsNe caused complete inhibition of Aspergillus flavus (AFLHPSi-1) growth and AFB1 production at 0.8 and 0.6 μl/ml, respectively, which was far better than AREO (1.4 and 1.2 μl/ml, respectively). Impairment of ergosterol biosynthesis coupled with enhancement of cellular materials leakage confirmed plasma membrane as the possible antifungal target of both AREO and AREO-CsNe. Significant inhibition of methylglyoxal (AFB1 inducer) synthesis in AFLHPSi-1 cells by AREO and AREO-CsNe confirmed their novel antiaflatoxigenic mode of action. In-silico molecular docking studies revealed effective interaction of linalool with Ver-1 and Omt-A proteins, leading to inhibition of AFB1 biosynthesis. Further, AREO-CsNe showed enhanced antioxidant activity with IC50 values 3.792 and 1.706 μl/ml against DPPH• and ABTS•+ radicals, respectively. In addition, AREO-CsNe caused 100% protection of stored millets (Setaria italica seeds) from AFB1 contamination and lipid peroxidation over a period of 1 year without compromising its sensory properties and exhibited high safety profile with LD50 value 9538.742 μl/kg body weight. Based on enhanced performance of AREO-CsNe over AREO, it can be recommended as a novel substitute of synthetic preservative for preservation of stored millets. Copyright © 2022 Singh, Chaudhari, Das, Tiwari, Maurya, Singh and Dubey.
Chitosan nanoemulsion incorporated with Carum carvi essential oil as ecofriendly alternative for mitigation of aflatoxin B1 contamination in stored herbal raw materials
(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Somenath Das; Akash Maurya; Vipin Kumar Singh; Anand Kumar Chaudhari; Bijendra Kumar Singh; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy; Nawal Kishore Dubey
The present investigation entails the first report on entrapment of Carum carvi essential oil (CCEO) into chitosan polymer matrix for protection of stored herbal raw materials against fungal inhabitation and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production. Physico-chemical characterization of nanoencapsulated CCEO was performed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The nanoencapsulated CCEO displayed improved antifungal and AFB1 suppressing potentiality along with controlled delivery over unencapsulated CCEO. The encapsulated CCEO nanoemulsion obstructed the ergosterol production and escalated the efflux of cellular ions, thereby suggesting plasma membrane as prime target of antifungal action in Aspergillus flavus cells. The impairment in methyglyoxal production and modeling based carvone interaction with Afl-R protein validated the antiaflatoxigenic mechanism of action. In addition, CCEO displayed augmentation in antioxidant potentiality after encapsulation into chitosan nanomatrix. Moreover, the in-situ study demonstrated the effective protection of Withania somnifera root samples (model herbal raw material) against fungal infestation and AFB1 contamination along with prevention of lipid peroxidation. The acceptable organoleptic qualities of W. somnifera root samples and favorable safety profile in mice (animal model) strengthen the application of nanoencapsulated CCEO emulsion as nano-fungitoxicant for preservation of herbal raw materials against fungi and AFB1 mediated biodeterioration. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.
Chitosan-Based Nanoencapsulation of Ocimum americanum Essential Oil as Safe Green Preservative Against Fungi Infesting Stored Millets, Aflatoxin B1 Contamination, and Lipid Peroxidation
(Springer, 2023) Bijendra Kumar Singh; Shikha Tiwari; Akash Maurya; Somenath Das; Vipin Kumar Singh; Nawal Kishore Dubey
Present study deals with the first-time report on encapsulation of Ocimum americanum essential oil (OAEO) into chitosan matrix with enhanced antifungal, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) inhibition, antioxidant activity, and in situ efficacy in the millet food system. GC–MS analysis suggested citral (66.72%) as the major component of OAEO. Physicochemical characterizations through SEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses confirmed the successful loading of OAEO into chitosan nanoemulsion (OAEO-CsNe). In vitro release profile of nanoencapsulated OAEO exhibited biphasic burst and controlled volatilisation, a prerequisite for long-term antifungal effect in the stored food system. OAEO-CsNe completely inhibited the growth and AFB1 production of Aspergillus flavus at 0.2 and 0.175 μL/mL, respectively. Inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis followed by the release of vital cellular ions, and 260, 280 nm absorbing materials from AFLHPSi-1 cells suggested plasma membrane as a potential site of antifungal action of OAEO-CsNe. Significant reduction of cellular methylglyoxal (an AFB1 inducer) level in AFLHPSi-1 cells after fumigation with OAEO-CsNe confirmed the novel biochemical mechanism of anti-aflatoxigenic activity. Additionally, in silico modelling of citral (major component of OAEO) with Ver-1 and Omt-A proteins suggested the hydrogen bond-dependent molecular interaction for inhibition of AFB1 biosynthesis. OAEO-CsNe showed significant in situ antifungal, anti-aflatoxigenic, and lipid peroxidation-suppressing potentialities without altering the organoleptic and germination properties of Setaria italica seeds. Moreover, the appreciative safety profile (LD50 = 11,162.06 μL/kg) of OAEO-CsNe in a mammalian model system (Mus musculus) strengthens its recommendation as an effective green preservative against fungal infestation, AFB1 contamination, and reactive oxygen species-mediated lipid peroxidation in stored food commodities. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Edible Berries- An Update on Nutritional Composition and Health Benefits- Part III
(Springer, 2025) Nilushni Sivapragasam; Akash Maurya; Shikha Tiwari; A. K. Dwivedy; Surangna Jain; Priyamvada Thorakkattu; Pankaj Koirala; Nilesh Prakash Nirmal
Purpose of Review: The diverse polyphenolic components present in these berries are responsible for their functional properties in human health. Hence, there is an increasing demand for research in berry bioactive components to understand the mechanism of action in alleviating and preventing diseases. Therefore, in this last part-III of the review series, mulberry, raspberry, salmonberry, Saskatoonberry, and strawberry are discussed in terms of their bioactive components and corresponding substantial health benefits. Recent Findings: The aforementioned berries provide essential and nonessential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and various phenolic compounds. Similar to the other reported berries, these berries possess good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects. Summary: The bioactive components present in the berries are crucial for the overall well-being of humans and hence consumption of berries mentioned in part-III as well as part-I and part-II possesses substantial health benefits, particularly cognitive and cardio health. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024.
Edible Berries- An Update on Nutritional Composition and Health Benefits-Part I
(Springer, 2025) Surangna Jain; Nilushni Sivapragasam; Akash Maurya; Shikha Tiwari; A. K. Dwivedy; Priyamvada Thorakkattu; Pankaj Koirala; Nilesh Prakash Nirmal
Purpose of Review: This review delves comprehensively into the nutritional profiles and diverse biological activities of different berries. So far 19 different types of berries have been identified for human consumption and studied for their nutritional and biological activities. Among them, acai berry, blueberry, blackberry, black currant, boysenberry, and bilberry have been summarized in this review (Part I). These berries are reported to possess various biological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-neurodegenerative, and antimicrobial properties. The key to these health-promoting effects lies in the rich array of bioactive compounds present in these berries, including flavonoids, phenolics, anthocyanins, tannins, stilbenes, and phenolic acids which makes these berries promising candidates as sources for functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals. Recent Findings: These berries are dense in various polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. These bioactive compounds have proven to exhibit various in-vitro and in-vivo biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-cancer, etc. Summary: The consumption of the above-mentioned berries particularly acai berry, blueberry, and boysenberry primarily reduces free radicals and inflammatory compounds thereby promoting a healthier life. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024.
Edible Berries-An Update on Nutritional Composition and Health Benefits-Part II
(Springer, 2025) Priyamvada Thorakkattu; Surangna Jain; Nilushni Sivapragasam; Akash Maurya; Shikha Tiwari; A. K. Dwivedy; Pankaj Koirala; Nilesh Prakash Nirmal
Purpose of Review: Berries are a great source of fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and beneficial secondary metabolites (polyphenols). Various phytochemicals present in berries (glycosidic-linked flavonoids, anthocyanins, etc.) provide potential health benefits to consumers. Berries are known as high antioxidant food which provides certain cellular and molecular protection thereby lower rates of obesity and chronic disease risk. Molecular-level mechanisms protect a cell, while cellular mechanism considers all molecular units. For example, polyphenols found in blueberries have the potential to significantly reduce adipogenesis. Therefore, in continuation with part I, this review part II summarizes recent updates on the nutritional composition and biological activities of caperberry, chokeberry, cloudberry, cranberry, elderberry, gooseberry, goji berry, and lingonberry. Recent Findings: These berries contain higher amounts of dietary fiber, protein, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and lipids. Besides, their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, these berries are reported for eye health, brain health, cardiovascular health, anti-diabetic, etc. Summary: The consumption of a summarized group of berries could be more beneficial for eye health, mental health, and metabolic health thereby enhancing the well-being of the consumers. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024.
Encapsulation of Cymbopogon khasiana × Cymbopogon pendulus Essential Oil (CKP-25) in Chitosan Nanoemulsion as a Green and Novel Strategy for Mitigation of Fungal Association and Aflatoxin B1 Contamination in Food System
(MDPI, 2023) Jitendra Prasad; Somenath Das; Akash Maurya; Monisha Soni; Arati Yadav; Bikarma Singh; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy
The present study deals with the encapsulation of Cymbopogon khasiana × Cymbopogon pendulus essential oil (CKP-25-EO) into a chitosan nanoemulsion and efficacy assessment for inhibition of fungal inhabitation and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in Syzygium cumini seeds with emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanism of action. DLS, AFM, SEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses revealed the encapsulation of CKP-25-EO in chitosan with controlled delivery. The CKP-25-Ne displayed enhanced antifungal (0.08 µL/mL), antiaflatoxigenic (0.07 µL/mL), and antioxidant activities (IC50 DPPH = 6.94 µL/mL, IC50 ABTS = 5.40 µL/mL) in comparison to the free EO. Impediment in cellular ergosterol, methylglyoxal biosynthesis, and in silico molecular modeling of CKP-25-Ne validated the cellular and molecular mechanism of antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity. The CKP-25-Ne showed in situ efficacy for inhibition of lipid peroxidation and AFB1 secretion in stored S. cumini seeds without altering the sensory profile. Moreover, the higher mammalian safety profile strengthens the application of CKP-25-Ne as a safe green nano-preservative against fungal association, and hazardous AFB1 contamination in food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries. © 2023 by the authors.
Essential Oil Nanoemulsion as Eco-Friendly and Safe Preservative: Bioefficacy Against Microbial Food Deterioration and Toxin Secretion, Mode of Action, and Future Opportunities
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2021) Akash Maurya; Vipin Kumar Singh; Somenath Das; Jitendra Prasad; Akash Kedia; Neha Upadhyay; Nawal Kishore Dubey; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy
Microbes are the biggest shareholder for the quantitative and qualitative deterioration of food commodities at different stages of production, transportation, and storage, along with the secretion of toxic secondary metabolites. Indiscriminate application of synthetic preservatives may develop resistance in microbial strains and associated complications in human health with broad-spectrum environmental non-sustainability. The application of essential oils (EOs) as a natural antimicrobial and their efficacy for the preservation of foods has been of present interest and growing consumer demand in the current generation. However, the loss in bioactivity of EOs from fluctuating environmental conditions is a major limitation during their practical application, which could be overcome by encapsulating them in a suitable biodegradable and biocompatible polymer matrix with enhancement to their efficacy and stability. Among different nanoencapsulated systems, nanoemulsions effectively contribute to the practical applications of EOs by expanding their dispersibility and foster their controlled delivery in food systems. In line with the above background, this review aims to present the practical application of nanoemulsions (a) by addressing their direct and indirect (EO nanoemulsion coating leading to active packaging) consistent support in a real food system, (b) biochemical actions related to antimicrobial mechanisms, (c) effectiveness of nanoemulsion as bio-nanosensor with large scale practical applicability, (d) critical evaluation of toxicity, safety, and regulatory issues, and (e) market demand of nanoemulsion in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals along with the current challenges and future opportunities. Copyright © 2021 Maurya, Singh, Das, Prasad, Kedia, Upadhyay, Dubey and Dwivedy.
Essential Oils and Their Application in Food Safety
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2021) Akash Maurya; Jitendra Prasad; Somenath Das; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy
Food industries are facing a great challenge due to contamination of food products with different microbes such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, etc. These microbes deteriorate food items by producing different toxins during pre- and postharvest processing. Mycotoxins are one of the most potent and well-studied toxic food contaminants of fungal origin, causing a severe health hazard to humans. The application of synthetic chemicals as food preservatives poses a real scourge in the present scenario due to their bio-incompatibility, non-biodegradability, and environmental non-sustainability. Therefore, plant-based antimicrobials, including essential oils, have developed cumulative interest as a potential alternative to synthetic preservatives because of their ecofriendly nature and generally recognized as safe status. However, the practical utilization of essential oils as an efficient antimicrobial in the food industry is challenging due to their volatile nature, less solubility, and high instability. The recent application of different delivery strategies viz. nanoencapsulation, active packaging, and polymer-based coating effectively addressed these challenges and improved the bioefficacy and controlled release of essential oils. This article provides an overview of essential oils for the preservation of stored foods against bacteria, fungi, and mycotoxins, along with the specialized mechanism of action and technological advancement by using different delivery systems for their effective application in food and agricultural industries smart green preservative. © Copyright © 2021 Maurya, Prasad, Das and Dwivedy.
Fungal and mycotoxin contamination of herbal raw materials and their protection by nanoencapsulated essential oils: An overview
(Elsevier Ltd, 2022) Bijendra Kumar Singh; Shikha Tiwari; Akash Maurya; Susheel Kumar; Nawal Kishore Dubey
Presently, consumption of herbal raw materials (HRMs) has been an emerging concern owing to therapeutic potential against broad range of human diseases. However, there are various cases available reporting the fungal and mycotoxin contaminations. These HRMs after collection undergo severe extent of deterioration, leading to degradation of their active principles. Different chemical preservatives have been frequently used to protect HRMs from fungal and mycotoxin contamination, however, their indiscriminate use could lead to adverse effects on human health and environment due to residual toxicity. The use of essential oils (EOs) based formulations has been recommended as a green alternative of synthetic preservatives having greater safety profile and biodegradable nature. Nanoencapsulation maintains the stability of EOs and facilitate the controlled delivery with improvement in maintenance of bioactive principles of HRMs against fungal and mycotoxin mediated biodeterioration to boost pharmaceutical sectors. This review summarizes the pharmacological properties of some HRMs, the extent of degradation by fungal and mycotoxin contamination, preservation through nanoencapsulated EOs, mode of action, patenting of EOs as preservatives, and finally future opportunities to mitigate the associated problems. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Mechanistic investigations on antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activities of chemically characterised Carum carvi L. essential oil against fungal infestation and aflatoxin contamination of herbal raw materials
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2022) Akash Maurya; Susheel Kumar; Bijendra Kumar Singh; Anand Kumar Chaudhari; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy; Bhanu Prakash; Nawal Kishore Dubey
This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of chemically characterised Carum carvi essential oil (CcEO) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) producing strain of Aspergillus flavus (AF-LHP-WS-4) causing deterioration of herbal raw materials (HRM). GC-MS analysis of the EO revealed the presence of carvone (69.85%) as a dominant component. CcEO caused complete suppression of A. flavus growth and AFB1 secretion at 0.7 and 0.6 µL/mL, respectively. The investigation on antifungal mode of action showed that CcEO inhibited fungal growth via abrogating ergosterol biosynthesis and triggered efflux of vital cellular ions. The inhibition of AFB1 biosynthesis was attributed to the inhibition of cellular methylglyoxal (MG) biosynthesis. In addition, CcEO showed remarkable antioxidant activity (IC50 = 10.564 µL/mL) against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals. Based on overall results, it can be concluded that the CcEO may be recommended as potential antifungal agent for protection of HRM from fungal infestation and AFB1 contamination. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Nanoencapsulated Essential Oils for Post-Harvest Preservation of Stored Cereals: A Review
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024) Akash Maurya; Arati Yadav; Monisha Soni; Kishor Kumar Paul; Umakant Banjare; Manish Kumar Jha; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy; Nawal Kishore Dubey
Cereal grains are frequently attacked by microorganisms and insects during storage and processing, which negatively affects their quality, safety, and market value. Therefore, protecting stored grains from microbial contamination is crucial for food industries, farmers, public health associations, and environmental agencies. Due to the negative impact of synthetic gray chemicals, antimicrobial plant-based essential oils (EOs) can serve as alternative, safer, environmentally friendly preservatives that can prolong the shelf life of cereals. However, high volatility, low solubility, hydrophobicity, and quick oxidation limit their practical applicability. Using nanotechnology for the nanoencapsulation of EOs into polymeric matrices allows sustained release and ensures targeted delivery without significantly altering the organoleptic attributes of cereals, making EOs a new-generation green preservative. This ultimately overcomes the challenges of practical applications. The application of nanoencapsulated EOs in grain storage provides an effective and novel defense against microbes, insects, and other contaminants. Hence, the current review thoroughly examines the preservative potential of nanoencapsulated EOs in terms of antimicrobial and insecticidal efficacy for protecting stored cereal grains. It also highlights the challenges encountered during application and the safety concerns of using nanoencapsulated EOs in protecting cereal grains during post-harvest storage. © 2024 by the authors.
Nanoencapsulation strategies for improving nutritional functionality, safety and delivery of plant-based foods: Recent updates and future opportunities
(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Monisha Soni; Akash Maurya; Somenath Das; Jitendra Prasad; Arati Yadav; Vipin Kumar Singh; Bijendra Kumar Singh; Nawal Kishore Dubey; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy
Currently, food industries largely based on animal products including egg, meat, and fish are facing a burning challenge to meet the continuously increasing consumer demand. The greater availability of plant-based foods has aided the transition from animal foods to plant foods due to its sustainable, convenient, and affordable nature. Different plant derived ingredients like globular proteins, oligosaccharides, dietary fibres, starch, amylopectin, short and long chain unsaturated fatty acids are used to develop plant based foods, however, selection of most important ones being critical for creating a successful end product. Most notably, when the use of bioactive ingredients is targeted, some challenges like instability and reaction with other food matrices persist in development of plant based foods. In this context, nanoencapsulation of food components is an emerging and innovative field for controlled and targeted delivery with various prophylactic activities. The technology encompassing nanoencapsulation facilitates the release of food components, improvement in bioaccessibility, and digestion in the human body. Moreover, the plant-based foods are gaining cumulative attention in the scientific community due to development of various analogues of meat, egg, and milk. This review describes the recent updates in scientific understanding of plant based foods highlighting their prophylactic measures, market demand, and plant based ingredients with physical, functional, and molecular properties, and encapsulation strategies for elimination of various hurdles, maintenance of food quality, and insurances of safety as well as bioavailability of beneficial nutrients. © 2022 The Author(s)
Natural pigments: a sustainable approach to utilize agroindustrial waste
(Elsevier, 2024) D. Deepika; Akash Maurya; Monisha Soni; Arati Yadav; Akhilesh Kumar Pandey; Nawal Kishore Dubey; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy
The study explores an innovative and environmentally sustainable approach for the production of biopigments using agroindustrial waste as a primary resource and also investigates the feasibility of extracting and synthesizing biopigments from agricultural wastes such as peels, whey, seeds, waste liquid, bagasse, molasses, and others. These substrates can be utilized as a source for biopigment production, employing microorganisms as useful biofactories to produce primary and secondary metabolites. Since the use of synthetic pigments causes various types of allergies and toxicity, biopigments produced by bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi, and algae are highly promising. These naturally derived pigments possess antioxidant activity as well as antimicrobial properties, making them attractive for industrial applications. Moreover, the commercial benefits of producing biopigments from agroindustrial wastes extend beyond mere cost savings. This sustainable and innovative approach can positively impact a company's market position, financial performance, and overall competitiveness in an evolving business landscape that increasingly values environmental responsibility and natural product attributes. This approach of bioconversion of agroindustrial wastes to value-added products is a significant step toward the principles of zero waste and circular economy. Furthermore, the utilization of inexpensive agroindustrial wastes for the synthesis of biopigments can result in economical and environmentally sustainable processes. This review highlights the current state of research on the production of microbial pigments from agricultural waste, advantages and challenges of the approach, and potential for further research and commercialization in this field. Moreover, this work not only contributes to the sustainable utilization of waste resources but also offers a promising avenue for ecofriendly pigment production in various industrial applications. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Synthesis, characterization and in situ bioefficacy evaluation of Cymbopogon nardus essential oil impregnated chitosan nanoemulsion against fungal infestation and aflatoxin B1 contamination in food system
(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Jitendra Prasad; Somenath Das; Akash Maurya; Shreyans Kumar Jain; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy
The present investigation aimed to synthesize Cymbopogon nardus essential oil impregnated chitosan nanoemulsion (Ne-CNEO) and its practical efficacy as novel green delivery system for protection of Syzygium cumini seeds against broad range storage fungi, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) secretion and lipid peroxidation. Chemical characterization of CNEO revealed citral (62.73%) as major component. Successful impregnation of CNEO inside chitosan nanoemulsion was confirmed through SEM, AFM and FTIR analyses. In vitro release study showed biphasic release profile with initial burst followed by sustained release of CNEO from chitosan nanomatrix. Ne-CNEO exhibited enhancement in in vitro antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic (0.16 μL/mL) and antioxidant activity over CNEO. The antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic mechanism of action of Ne-CNEO was associated with inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis, increased leakage of cellular contents, and impairment in cellular methylglyoxal biosynthesis. In silico modeling validated interaction of citral with Ver-1 and Omt-A proteins, confirming the molecular action for inhibition of AFB1 production. In situ investigation suggested remarkable protection of S. cumini seeds against fungal inhabitation, AFB1 production and lipid peroxidation without affecting organoleptic attributes. Furthermore, higher mammalian non-toxicity strengthens the application of Ne-CNEO as safe nano-green and smart preservative in place of adversely affecting synthetic preservatives in emerging food, agriculture and pharmaceutical industries. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.