Irradiation and cold plasma technologies for aflatoxin mitigation: a comprehensive review of degradation mechanisms and cytotoxicity profiles

Abstract

Aflatoxins (AFs), primarily produced by Aspergillus species, are among the most hazardous mycotoxins due to their widespread occurrence in food and feed and their strong mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. Maintaining aflatoxin levels within permissible limits is critical for human and animal health, emphasizing the need for effective detoxification strategies. This review explores irradiation and cold plasma technologies as promising approaches for mitigating aflatoxin contamination. Irradiation methods, including gamma rays, ultraviolet radiation, electron beams, and X-rays, exhibit high reactivity and penetrability, enabling AF degradation and reduction of toxicity. Cold plasma generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that induce oxidative degradation under mild processing conditions. The review also summarizes analytical and biological assays used to evaluate the mutagenicity and cytotoxicity of intact aflatoxins and their degradation products. Evidence highlights these technologies as practical detoxification tools; however, gaps remain regarding the detailed mechanisms of aflatoxin degradation and the chemical identity and toxicological profiles of byproducts. Furthermore, although food irradiation up to an average absorbed dose of 10 kGy has been widely recognized as safe, additional toxicological and epidemiological studies on specific aflatoxin degradation products would further strengthen the safety assessment of irradiated commodities. Advancing this knowledge will support the broader adoption of irradiation and cold plasma technologies as viable, sustainable tools for reducing aflatoxin risks in global food and feed supplies.