High speed homogenization assisted encapsulation of synergistic essential oils formulation: Characterization, in vitro release study, safety profile, and efficacy towards mitigation of aflatoxin B induced deterioration in rice samples.

Application of essential oils to mitigate aflatoxin B (AFB) contamination in food is a current research hotspot; however, their direct incorporation may cause toxic effects, and changes in food organoleptic properties. This work aimed to synthesize novel synergistic formulation of Pinus roxburghii, Juniperus communis, and Cupressus sempervirens essential oils by mixture design assay (PJC) and encapsulation of PJC formulation into chitosan nanocomposite (Nm-PJC) with an aim to protect stored rice (Oryza sativa L., prime staple food) against fungi and AFB mediated loss of valuable minerals, macronutrients, and fatty acids. Nm-PJC was characterized through DLS, SEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses, along with controlled delivery from chitosan nanobiopolymer. Encapsulation of synergistic formulation into chitosan-nanomatrix improved antifungal (4.0 μL/mL), antiaflatoxigenic (3.5 μL/mL), and antioxidant activities (P < 0.05). Impairment in ergosterol and methylglyoxal biosynthesis along with in-silico-homology-modeling of major components with Ver-1 and Omt-A proteins advocated chemico-molecular interaction responsible for fungal growth inhibition and AFB secretion. In addition, in-situ efficacy against lipid-peroxidation, fatty acid biodeterioration, and preservation of minerals, macronutrients without affecting organoleptic attributes in rice and high mammalian safety profile (9874.23 μL/kg) suggested practical application of synergistic nanoformulation as innovative smart, and green candidate to mitigate AFB contamination, and shelf-life extension of stored food products.