Sustainable Nanotechnology: Mycotoxin Detection and Protection

Abstract

Advances in nanotechnology have demonstrated vast applications due to the properties of nanomaterials. One of the applications that have emerged is the utilization of nanotechnology in agriculture with the emphasis on precision agricultural practices. That is, using nanoformulations to maximize crop production while minimizing the use of pesticides and herbicides. The high surface-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles provides an improved matrix for the immobilization of desired biomolecules for signal amplification in biosensors for the detection of mycotoxins. Metallic and magnetic nanoparticles are widely used in the fabrication of nanosensors for mycotoxin detection. These nanoparticles are used in nanocomposite material for the production of nanopackaging to increase shelf life of agricultural produce. Green nanotechnology formulations of using phytochemicals from plant material to produce nanofungicides are feasible in the agriculture due to no toxic effect towards human and animal health. The present chapter provides recent work carried out in the field of nanotechnology for detection of mycotoxins and highlights some of the commercial nanoformulations used in agriculture.