Synthesis, characterization, and assessment of chitosan-nanomatrix enriched with antifungal formulation against biodeterioration of active ingredients of selected herbal raw materials

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a potent natural group 1 carcinogen produced by Aspergillus flavus is considered an unavoidable toxic contaminant of herbal raw materials, which often deteriorates their active ingredients making them less effective and hazardous during their formulation in herbal drugs. The present investigation reports the antifungal (0.5 μl/ml) and AFB1 inhibitory (0.4 μl/ml) effects of the developed formulation CIM based on a mixture of essential oils (Carum carvi, and Illicium verum), and methyl anthranilate using mathematical modeling. The insight into the mechanism of action has also been explored using biochemical, molecular docking, and RT-PCR. Further, the nanoencapsulation of CIM (Ne-CIM) was prepared using a green facile synthesis of chitosan-based nanomatrix and characterized by Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform-infrared, (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The in-situ results showed that at MIC doses Ne-CIM effectively controls the A. flavus (81.25–89.57 %), AFB1 contamination (100 %), and protects the active ingredients deterioration of Piper nigrum, P. longum, Andrographis paniculata, Silybum marianum, and Withania somnifera caused by toxigenic species of A. flavus without affecting their sensory properties. Hence, Ne-CIM could be used as a green chemical agent to protect the biodeterioration of active ingredients of herbal raw materials caused by toxigenic species of A. flavus. •Antifungal activity of essential oils-based formulation was tested against Aspergillus flavus.•Optimal antifungal formulation was identified by mixture design assay.•Synergistic effect between essential oils and compound was highlighted.•Nanoencapsulation enhanced the antifungal activity of the developed formulation.•Mode of action, practical efficacy, and ecological risk assessment were highlighted.