Inactivation of Aspergillus Species and Degradation of Aflatoxins in Water Using Photocatalysis and Titanium Dioxide

Aflatoxins (AF) are highly toxic secondary metabolites produced by various species of Aspergillus, posing significant health risks to humans and animals. The four most prominent types are aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2). These mycotoxins are prevalent in various environments, including water sources and food products. Among these mycotoxins, AFB1 is recognized as the most toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic to humans. Consequently, most efforts to mitigate the impact of AF have been focused on AFB1, with photocatalysis emerging as a promising solution. Recent research has demonstrated that using semiconductor photocatalysis, particularly titanium dioxide (TiO2), combined with UV-visible irradiation significantly enhances the efficiency of AF degradation. TiO2 is noted for its high activity under UV irradiation, non-toxicity, and excellent long-term stability, making it a favorable choice for photocatalytic applications. Furthermore, TiO2 combined with visible light has demonstrated the ability to reduce AF contamination in food products. This article summarizes the working conditions and degradation rates achieved, as well as the advantages, limitations, and areas of opportunity of these methodologies for the degradation of AF and preventing their production, thereby enhancing food and water safety.