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<p>Aflatoxin contamination poses a serious food safety threat across Nigeria and West Africa. Chitosan–copper nanoparticles (Cs–Cu NPs), synthesized entirely from agricultural waste, specifically <i>Archachatina marginata</i> shells and <i>Citrus sinensis</i> peel extract, were evaluated as a sustainable platform for aflatoxin remediation. The nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. XRD showed a broad amorphous chitosan background with reflections of face-centered cubic copper, with crystallite sizes of 25–30&#xa0;nm. TEM and SEM revealed semi-continuous, flake-like structures with copper appearing as distinct dark regions. EDX confirmed copper incorporation. FTIR indicated coordination of Cu²⁺ ions with hydroxyl, amine, and carbonyl groups. UV–Vis spectra displayed bands at 580&#xa0;nm (Cu²⁺ d–d transitions) and 289&#xa0;nm (ligand-to-metal charge transfer). TGA revealed transitions corresponding to deamination, chain scission, and copper oxide formation, reflecting strong metal–polymer interactions. Degradation efficiency was evaluated against the four major aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) using HPLC. All aflatoxins exhibited concentration-dependent reductions. AFG2 was fully degraded within 24&#xa0;h, AFB1 and AFB2 showed over 98% reduction by Day 1 and complete elimination by Day 2, while AFG1 showed biphasic degradation, with partial removal on Day 1, persistence on Day 2, and complete elimination by Day 3. Kinetic modeling yielded rate constants of 6.91 ± 0.23&#xa0;day⁻¹ (AFG₂), ~ 3.3–3.9&#xa0;day⁻¹ (AFB1/AFB2), and a two-stage profile for AFG1 (k₁ = 0.58 → k₂ = 4.61&#xa0;day⁻¹). These findings demonstrate that waste-derived Cs–Cu NPs provide an environmentally friendly, highly effective platform for rapid aflatoxin degradation, integrating green synthesis, metal coordination, and robust analytical validation, supporting future AI-driven mycotoxin management strategies.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Green chemistry approach for sustainable aflatoxin remediation: chitosan-copper nanoparticles from agricultural waste with future AI integration potential

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月8日

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  • Saburi Abimbola Atanda,
  • Foluso Oyedotun Agunbiade,
  • Rafiu Olarewaju Shaibu

摘要

Aflatoxin contamination poses a serious food safety threat across Nigeria and West Africa. Chitosan–copper nanoparticles (Cs–Cu NPs), synthesized entirely from agricultural waste, specifically Archachatina marginata shells and Citrus sinensis peel extract, were evaluated as a sustainable platform for aflatoxin remediation. The nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. XRD showed a broad amorphous chitosan background with reflections of face-centered cubic copper, with crystallite sizes of 25–30 nm. TEM and SEM revealed semi-continuous, flake-like structures with copper appearing as distinct dark regions. EDX confirmed copper incorporation. FTIR indicated coordination of Cu²⁺ ions with hydroxyl, amine, and carbonyl groups. UV–Vis spectra displayed bands at 580 nm (Cu²⁺ d–d transitions) and 289 nm (ligand-to-metal charge transfer). TGA revealed transitions corresponding to deamination, chain scission, and copper oxide formation, reflecting strong metal–polymer interactions. Degradation efficiency was evaluated against the four major aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) using HPLC. All aflatoxins exhibited concentration-dependent reductions. AFG2 was fully degraded within 24 h, AFB1 and AFB2 showed over 98% reduction by Day 1 and complete elimination by Day 2, while AFG1 showed biphasic degradation, with partial removal on Day 1, persistence on Day 2, and complete elimination by Day 3. Kinetic modeling yielded rate constants of 6.91 ± 0.23 day⁻¹ (AFG₂), ~ 3.3–3.9 day⁻¹ (AFB1/AFB2), and a two-stage profile for AFG1 (k₁ = 0.58 → k₂ = 4.61 day⁻¹). These findings demonstrate that waste-derived Cs–Cu NPs provide an environmentally friendly, highly effective platform for rapid aflatoxin degradation, integrating green synthesis, metal coordination, and robust analytical validation, supporting future AI-driven mycotoxin management strategies.

Graphical abstract