Browsing by Author "Singh, Bijendra Kumar"
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Publication Aflatoxins in food systems: recent advances in toxicology, biosynthesis, regulation and mitigation through green nanoformulations(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2023) Tiwari, Shikha; Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Dubey, Nawal KishoreAflatoxins are hepatocarcinogenic and immunosuppressive mycotoxins mainly synthesized by Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius in food systems, causing negative health impacts to humans and other organisms. Aflatoxins contaminate most of the agri-products of tropical and subtropical regions due to hot and humid conditions and persist in food items even after food processing steps, causing major threat towards the food security. Different physical and chemical strategies have been applied to mitigate aflatoxin contamination. However, negative impacts of chemical preservatives towards health and environment limit their practical applicability. In this regard, plant-based preservatives, due to their economical, eco-friendly and safer profile, are considered as a sustainable approach towards food safety. Incorporation of nanotechnology would enhance the bio-efficacy of green preservatives by overcoming some of their major challenges, such as volatility. The present review deals with recent information on toxicology and molecular and enzymatic regulatory pathways in the biosynthesis of aflatoxins in food systems. A proper understanding of the role of different genes and regulatory proteins may provide novel preventive strategies for aflatoxin detoxification and also in development of aflatoxin-resistant food items. The review also emphasizes the role of green nanoformulations as a sustainable approach towards the management of aflatoxins in food systems. In addition, some technological challenges of green nanotechnology have also been discussed in this review, along with highlighting some future perspectives. � 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. � 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.Publication Boosting modern technologies with emphasis on biological approaches to potentiate prevention and control of aflatoxins: recent advances(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2022) Tiwari, Shikha; Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Kishore, Vatsala; Dubey, Nawal KishoreAflatoxins, the secondary metabolite of some Aspergillus sp., contaminate food products worldwide and are a matter of great concern due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on humans. Being thermostable in nature, they remain in processed food items causing a major challenge to human health. Different modern techniques have been incorporated to potentiate the frequently used physical, chemical and biocontrol methods to manage aflatoxin production in food items. Recently, botanical formulations are gaining great attention as a detoxifying approach due to their safer and eco-friendly attributes. Nanoencapsulation technique and transgenic approaches are some advancements in practical application of botanical formulations in order to enhance their bio-efficacy. The article summarizes the recent advancements with emphasis on biological approaches to potentiate prevalent preventive methodologies for the management of aflatoxin production in the food system along with their probable mode of actions. � 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Publication Chemically characterized nanoencapsulated Homalomena aromatica Schott. essential oil as green preservative against fungal and aflatoxin B1 contamination of stored spices based on in vitro and in situ efficacy and favorable safety profile on mice(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2022) Tiwari, Shikha; Upadhyay, Neha; Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Singh, Vipin Kumar; Dubey, Nawal KishorePresent study deals with the efficacy of nanoencapsulated Homalomena aromatica essential oil (HAEO) as a potent green preservative against toxigenic Aspergillus flavus strain (AF-LHP-NS 7), storage fungi, AFB1, and free radical-mediated deterioration of stored spices. GC�MS analysis revealed linalool (68.51%) as the major component of HAEO. HAEO was encapsulated into chitosan nanomatrix (CS-HAEO-Ne) and characterized through SEM, FTIR, and XRD. CS-HAEO-Ne completely inhibited A. flavus growth and AFB1 biosynthesis at 1.25 ?L/mL and 1.0 ?L/mL, respectively in comparison to unencapsulated HAEO (1.75 ?L/mL and 1.25 ?L/mL, respectively). CS-HAEO-Ne caused significant reduction in ergosterol content in treated A. flavus and provoked leakage of cellular ions (Ca+2, Mg+2, and K+) as well as 260 nm and 280 nm absorbing materials. Depletion of methylglyoxal level in treated A. flavus cells illustrated the novel antiaflatoxigenic efficacy of CS-HAEO-Ne. CS-HAEO-Ne exhibited superior antioxidant efficacy (IC50 (DPPH) = 4.5 ?L/mL) over unencapsulated HAEO (IC50 (DPPH) = 15.9 ?L/mL) and phenolic content. CS-HAEO-Ne depicted excellent in situ efficacy by inhibiting fungal infestation, AFB1 contamination, lipid peroxidation, and mineral loss with acceptable sensorial profile. Moreover, broad safety paradigm (LD50 value = 7150.11 mg/kg) of CS-HAEO-Ne also suggests its application as novel green preservative to enhance shelf life of stored spices. � 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.Publication 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) Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Chaudhari, Anand Kumar; Das, Somenath; Tiwari, Shikha; Maurya, Akash; Singh, Vipin Kumar; Dubey, Nawal KishoreThe 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 ?l/ml, respectively, which was far better than AREO (1.4 and 1.2 ?l/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 ?l/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 ?l/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.Publication 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) Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Tiwari, Shikha; Maurya, Akash; Das, Somenath; Singh, Vipin Kumar; Dubey, Nawal KishorePresent 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 ?L/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 ?L/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.Publication Essential oils and their nanoformulations as green preservatives to boost food safety against mycotoxin contamination of food commodities: a review(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2021) Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Tiwari, Shikha; Dubey, Nawal KishorePostharvest food spoilage due to fungal and mycotoxin contamination is a major challenge in tropical countries, leading to severe adverse effects on human health. Because of the negative effects of synthetic preservatives on both human health and the environment, it has been recommended that chemicals that have a botanical origin, with an eco-friendly nature and a favorable safety profile, should be used as green preservatives. Recently, the food industry and consumers have been shifting drastically towards green consumerism because of their increased concerns about health and the environment. Among different plant-based products, essential oils (EOs) and their bioactive components are strongly preferred as antimicrobial food preservatives. Despite having potent antimicrobial efficacy and preservation potential against fungal and mycotoxin contamination, essential oils and their bioactive components have limited practical applicability caused by their high volatility and their instability, implying the development of techniques to overcome the challenges associated with EO application. Essential oils and their bioactive components are promising alternatives to synthetic preservatives. To overcome challenges associated with EOs, nanotechnology has emerged as a novel technology in the food industries. Nanoencapsulation may boost the preservative potential of different essential oils by improving their solubility, stability, and targeted sustainable release. Nanoencapsulation of EOs is therefore currently being practiced to improve the stability and bioactivity of natural products. The present review has dealt extensively with the application of EOs and their nanoformulated products encapsulated in suitable polymeric matrices, so as to recommend them as novel green preservatives against foodborne molds and mycotoxin-induced deterioration of stored food commodities. � 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. � 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.Publication Ethnobotanical knowledge as booster to Make in India campaign for agriculture and pharma sectors(National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, 2023) Tiwari, Shikha; Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Kishore, Vatsala; Dubey, Nawal KishoreIndia is a mega-biodiversity rich country comprising a vast traditional knowledge on use of plants and their products in ancient agriculture as well as pharmaceutical sectors. The country needs bioprospection of Indian flora and ethnobotanically important plants for novel formulations to be used in agricultural pest management as well as in cure of different human diseases, thereby, boosting green chemicals based substances as an important component under the Make in India campaign. � 2023, National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research. All rights reserved.Publication Facile Fabrication of Nanoformulated Cinnamomum glaucescens Essential Oil as a Novel Green Strategy to Boost Potency Against Food Borne Fungi, Aflatoxin Synthesis, and Lipid Oxidation(Springer, 2022) Tiwari, Shikha; Upadhyay, Neha; Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Singh, Vipin Kumar; Dubey, Nawal KishoreThe study presents chitosan nanoemulsion encapsulating Cinnamomum glaucescens essential oil (CGEO) as a novel green preservative against food born fungi and aflatoxin B1 production in food system. GC�MS analysis suggested 1,8-cineole (46.56%), safrole (17.64%) as major and terpineol (5.88%), 4-terpineol (4.68%), ?-pinene (2.08%), ?-thujene (2.03%), and linalool (2.02%) as minor components of CGEO. SEM, FTIR, and XRD analysis confirmed the successful encapsulation of CGEO in chitosan biopolymer (CGEO-Nm). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of CGEO-Nm showed improved thermal stability of encapsulated CGEO in comparison to unencapsulated CGEO. Encapsulation remarkably improved antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy of CGEO-Nm (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 0.9 �L/mL and MAIC = 0.8 �L/mL) in comparison to unencapsulated CGEO (MIC = 1.50 �L/mL and MAIC = 1.25 �L/mL). Impairment in ergosterol biosynthesis, leakage of vital cellular ions, as well as 260�nm (DNA and RNA) and 280�nm (protein) absorbing materials confirmed cell membrane as antifungal target site for CGEO-Nm. Reduction in methylglyoxal level suggested novel antiaflatoxigenic mechanism of action. The investigation showed enhanced antioxidant potency of CGEO after encapsulation (IC50 value 5.15 �L/mL and 10.45 �L/mL, respectively, for ABTS and DPPH assays). Furthermore, CGEO-Nm was also found to have remarkable in vivo efficacy as it inhibited lipid peroxidation and mineral loss in black cumin seeds without altering its sensorial attributes. CGEO-Nm also revealed mammalian safety (LD50 = 9132.642�mg/kg) as determined through acute oral toxicity assay. Thus, the findings recommend the applicability of CGEO-Nm as novel green preservative to enhance the shelf life of food commodities along with the maintenance of nutritional characteristics. � 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.Publication Fungal and mycotoxin contamination of herbal raw materials and their protection by nanoencapsulated essential oils: An overview(Elsevier Ltd, 2022) Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Tiwari, Shikha; Maurya, Akash; Kumar, Susheel; Dubey, Nawal KishorePresently, 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 LtdPublication Green facile synthesis of cajuput (Melaleuca cajuputi Powell.) essential oil loaded chitosan film and evaluation of its effectiveness on shelf-life extension of white button mushroom(Elsevier Ltd, 2023) Chaudhari, Anand Kumar; Das, Somenath; Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Kishore Dubey, NawalThis study reports first time investigation on efficacy of cajuput essential oil loaded chitosan nanoparticle (CjEO-CSNP) on shelf-life of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) stored at 4�1 �C for 7-days. CjEO-CSNP was characterized through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering. The nanoparticles exhibited spherical shapes with average particle size 43.17�97.03 nm. The nanoencapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were ranged between 45.86 and 92.26% and 0.69�8.87%, respectively. The release study confirmed that CjEO-CSNP showed biphasic release patterns at different pH. Positive results were unveiled when the effect of CjEO-CSNP on shelf-life of mushroom was validated by analyzing the visual appearance and firmness. Further, CjEO-CSNP prevented weight loss and respiration rate, and improved the antioxidant activity of mushrooms. CjEO-CSNP also exhibited high safety profile (LD50= > 1200 mg/Kg body weight) without altering the sensory quality of coated mushrooms. Overall, CjEO-CSNP might be used as promising candidate to lengthen the shelf-life of button mushroom. � 2022 Elsevier LtdPublication High speed homogenization assisted encapsulation of synergistic essential oils formulation: Characterization, in vitro release study, safety profile, and efficacy towards mitigation of aflatoxin B1 induced deterioration in rice samples(Elsevier Ltd, 2022) Das, Somenath; Chaudhari, Anand Kumar; Singh, Vipin Kumar; Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Dubey, Nawal KishoreApplication of essential oils to mitigate aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in food is a current research hotspot; however, their direct incorporation may cause toxic effects, and changes in food organoleptic properties. This work aimed to synthesize novel synergistic formulation of Pinus roxburghii, Juniperus communis, and Cupressus sempervirens essential oils by mixture design assay (PJC) and encapsulation of PJC formulation into chitosan nanocomposite (Nm-PJC) with an aim to protect stored rice (Oryza sativa L., prime staple food) against fungi and AFB1 mediated loss of valuable minerals, macronutrients, and fatty acids. Nm-PJC was characterized through DLS, SEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses, along with controlled delivery from chitosan nanobiopolymer. Encapsulation of synergistic formulation into chitosan-nanomatrix improved antifungal (4.0 ?L/mL), antiaflatoxigenic (3.5 ?L/mL), and antioxidant activities (P < 0.05). Impairment in ergosterol and methylglyoxal biosynthesis along with in-silico-homology-modeling of major components with Ver-1 and Omt-A proteins advocated chemico-molecular interaction responsible for fungal growth inhibition and AFB1 secretion. In addition, in-situ efficacy against lipid-peroxidation, fatty acid biodeterioration, and preservation of minerals, macronutrients without affecting organoleptic attributes in rice and high mammalian safety profile (9874.23 ?L/kg) suggested practical application of synergistic nanoformulation as innovative smart, and green candidate to mitigate AFB1 contamination, and shelf-life extension of stored food products. � 2022 Elsevier LtdPublication 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) Maurya, Akash; Kumar, Susheel; Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Chaudhari, Anand Kumar; Dwivedy, Abhishek Kumar; Prakash, Bhanu; Dubey, Nawal KishoreThis 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 �L/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 �L/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.Publication Nanoencapsulated Lippia origanoides essential oil: physiochemical characterisation and assessment of its bio-efficacy against fungal and aflatoxin contamination as novel green preservative(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2022) Tiwari, Shikha; Upadhyay, Neha; Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Dubey, Nawal K.; Dwivedy, Abhishek K.; Singh, Vipin KumarThe study explores in�vitro antifungal and aflatoxin B1 inhibitory potency of chemically characterised Lippia origanoides EO (LOEO) encompassed in chitosan nanoparticle (CS-LOEO-Np). CS-LOEO-Np was physico-chemically characterised through XRD, SEM and FTIR analyses. CS-LOEO-Np exhibited improved antifungal and AFB1 inhibitory efficacy (0.05 and 0.045 �l mL?1, respectively) in contrast to LOEO (0.30 and 0.25 �l mL?1, respectively). Bioactivity of LOEO loaded nanoparticle was enhanced as reflected by depletion in ergosterol content, rapid cellular ion release and reduced methylglyoxal content. IC50 value equivalent to 4.17 �l mL?1 displayed better antioxidant potency of CS-LOEO-Np as compared to LOEO (IC50 = 6.20 �l mL?1). CS-LOEO-Np preserved sensorial attributes of stored Nigella sativa (model food matrix) samples and have higher lethal toxicity dose, that is LD50 = 8832 mg kg?1. Hence, CS-LOEO-Np could serve as novel green candidate to ensure food security with better nutritional and sensorial features. � 2022 Institute of Food Science and TechnologyPublication Nanoencapsulation strategies for improving nutritional functionality, safety and delivery of plant-based foods: Recent updates and future opportunities(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Soni, Monisha; Maurya, Akash; Das, Somenath; Prasad, Jitendra; Yadav, Arati; Singh, Vipin Kumar; Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Dubey, Nawal Kishore; Dwivedy, Abhishek KumarCurrently, 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)Publication Phytoextraction of heavy metals: Challenges and opportunities(Elsevier, 2022) Prasad, Jitendra; Tiwari, Shikha; Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Dubey, Nawal KishoreEnvironmental pollutants have now become to be a major threat to health and environment, in this milieu, recently emerging phytoremediation technique is considered a safer, novel, and cost effective strategy to deal with environmental issues. Environmental pollutants such as toxic heavy metals and organic pollutants are major targets of phytoremediation which are concentrated and metabolized to fewer toxic substances by plants. Among several phytoremediation strategies phytoextraction is considered to be a promising green alternative in order to remediate heavy metal contamination of soil through plants. In recent years, amalgamation involving the molecular mechanism of phytoextraction with novel bioengineering technique enhances its phytoremediation efficacy. The present article deals with an updated account of phytoextraction as an effective sustainable green approach to remediate the major environmental pollutants along with its challenges and future perspectives. � 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Publication Preparation and characterization of a novel nanoemulsion consisting of chitosan and Cinnamomum tamala essential oil and its effect on shelf-life lengthening of stored millets(Academic Press Inc., 2022) Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Chaudhari, Anand Kumar; Das, Somenath; Tiwari, Shikha; Dubey, Nawal KishoreThis study aimed to improve the stability of Cinnamomum tamala essential oil (CTEO) via encapsulating into chitosan nanoemulsion (CsNe) through an ionic-gelation technique and explore its food preservative efficacy against aflatoxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus (AFLHPSi-1, isolated from stored millet), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination, and lipid peroxidation, causing qualitative deterioration of stored millets. The CTEO was characterized through gas chromatography�mass spectrometry (GC�MS) analysis that confirmed the presence of linalool as a major component occupying approximately 82.64% of the total oil. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of CTEO-CsNe were found to be 97.71% and 3.33%, respectively. In vitro release study showed a biphasic release pattern: with an initial burst release followed by a controlled release of CTEO. During investigation of efficacy, the CTEO-CsNe caused complete inhibition of A. flavus growth, and AFB1 biosynthesis at 1.0 and 0.8 ?L/mL, respectively. The CTEO-CsNe exhibited its antifungal mode of action by altering fungal plasma membrane integrity (ergosterol inhibition) and permeability (leakage of important cellular constituents), and antiaflatoxigenic mode of action by inhibiting cellular methylglyoxal biosynthesis. CTEO-CsNe showed high free radical scavenging capacity (IC50 = 5.08 and 2.56 ?L/mL) against DPPH�+ and ABTS�+ radicals, respectively. In addition, CTEO-CsNe presented remarkable preservative efficacy, inhibiting AFB1 and lipid peroxidation in model food system (Setaria italica) without altering their organoleptic properties. Based on overall results, CTEO-CsNe can be recommended as a novel shelf-life enhancer of stored millet samples. � 2022 Elsevier Inc.Publication Secondary Metabolites of Higher Plants as Green Preservatives of Herbal Raw Materials and Their Active Principles During Postharvest Processing(Springer Singapore, 2021) Das, Somenath; Singh, Vipin Kumar; Upadhyay, Neha; Singh, Bijendra Kumar; Prasad, Jitendra; Tiwari, Shikha; Dubey, Nawal KishoreHerbal raw materials get contaminated with different microbes during collection and postharvest processing, causing both quantitative and qualitative damage leading to degradation of active principles. Currently, a wide range of plant products including essential oils have been found efficacious against fungal and mycotoxin contamination of raw materials and have been recommended as green preservatives for postharvest protection of herbal raw materials. Extracts of different higher plants and bioactive constituents, viz., carvone (from Carum carvi), azadirachtin (from Azadirachta indica), and isothiocyanate (from horseradish and brassicaceous plants) have exhibited promising efficacy against microbial contamination. Currently, nanotechnological approach has enhanced the bio-efficacy of phytochemicals through controlled release, site specific delivery, and enhanced stability. The present article throws light on different plant products recommended in postharvest preservation of herbal raw materials and also explains the future technological advancements in their better utilization as preservative of herbal raw materials. Such documentation of pharmacological efficacy of traditionally used plant products would also be helpful in bioprospection of plant diversity against biopiracy. � Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021, corrected publication 2021.