Decontamination of maize kernels and degradation of mycotoxins by means of cold plasmas

In most of the maize-cultivated areas, contamination by mycotoxigenic species poses phyto pathological concerns and toxicological risks for humans and animals, leading to significant economic losses and compromised food safety for both unprocessed maize and its derived products. Various strategies are currently employed worldwide to reduce fungal contamination responsible for mycotoxin production. In this research we have tested the efficacy of cold plasma processes in controlling the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium proliferatum, as well as the degradation of their mycotoxins. Two modalities of remote plasma application and rinsing with plasma-treated tap water were compared. The treatments used in this research resulted in a reduction of conidial germination and subsequent growth on maize by 50%–90% for both species. Air-fed plasmas proved to be the most effective against A. flavus and F. proliferatum. Furthermore, reductions in mycotoxin levels were observed after an O2-fed plasma treatment on naturally contaminated maize kernels, with variable efficacy against fumonisin B1 (FB1) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Moreover, plasma degradation products of AFB1 were investigated and identified. This study demonstrates the potential of cold plasma-based treatments as a post-harvest decontamination approach to reduce fungal infections and mycotoxin contamination during storage and packaging.