Effect of Novel Zein Coating Combined with Different Antioxidants (Thymol and Carvacrol) on the Aflatoxin Production of Peanut

Introduction: Aflatoxin contamination in agricultural crops leads to health hazards and is detrimental to the economy. Despite the improvement in processing, handling, and storage, aflatoxin contamination remains a severe issue in the peanut industry. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of corn-zein coating combined with thymol and carvacrol (edible coatings) on aflatoxin production in peanut. Methods: Analysis of aflatoxins B1, B2, and total aflatoxin was performed in 11 treatments for coated and uncoated peanuts, which were stored at room temperature for 90 days. The treatments included zein, thymol (500, 1,000, and 1,500 ppm), and carvacrol (5,000, 10,000, and 15,000 ppm), which were incorporated with thymol and carvacrol at three concentrations. The experiments were also conducted on control samples. Results: Significant differences were observed between the coated and uncoated treatments (P<0.05). Mean aflatoxins B1, B2, and total aflatoxins increased in the treatments with the highest concentration of the antioxidants compared to baseline on day 90. On the other hand, the other treatments showed a declining trend compared to the control. Conclusion: According to the results, zein coating yielded optimal results in terms of preventing aflatoxin formation. Therefore, it is recommended that zein be used as a proper coating for peanut in order to promote its health benefits.