Core-shell nanoparticles based on ZnO/yeast cell wall: characterization, antifungal properties and aflatoxin B1 binding

A class of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins are harmful and significant concern for public health, food safety, and agricultural practices. Recent challenges are involve reducing and the eliminating aflatoxins from contaminated food and feed using bio-based strategies. The development of edible binders is a promising approach to mitigate aflatoxin as a health risk. This study aimed to develop and characterize of core-shell nanoparticles using yeast cell wall extracted from Saccharomyces Cerevisiae as a shell surrounding ZnO nanoparticle core (CW/ZnO NPs). The obtained CW/ZnO core-shell was characterized regarding physicochemical properties, antifungal effect and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) binding capacity. FTIR confirmed the chemical composition of the synthesized nanoparticles. The size distribution and zeta potential of CW/ZnO NPs were in the acceptable range. Based on the microscopy techniques, a spherical shape (diameters of 21.36–42.54 nm) and a rough surface were observed, indicating a cell wall assigned to the shell of the ZnO core. According to the determined MIC and MFC, significant antifungal activity was obtained against A. parasiticus (500 µg/mL) and C. albicans (125 µg/mL). The CW/ZnO core-shell showed the highest AFB1 adsorption (55.4%) compared to the cell wall and ZnO samples in PBS. This research introduces a bio-based nanoparticle with a core-shell structure as an AFB1 binder. Considering its potential for reducing aflatoxin bioavailability could be recommended to apply in the food and feed industry.