Phyto-Assisted Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Effectively Combating Toxin-Producing Fungi in Poultry Feed

The present study aimed to investigate Carica papaya-mediated silver nanoparticle synthesis and its role in mitigating aflatoxigenic fungi isolated from poultry feed. Proximate analysis of the feed samples revealed their moisture content, crude protein percentage, and crude fat percentage. Fungal isolates were enumerated, and their abundance and frequency were determined. Toxin production by A. flavus isolates, which contributes about 33%, was assessed by PCR amplification targeting specific genes associated with aflatoxin production. Phytochemical analysis was conducted on different plant extracts, and the presence of various compounds was determined. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Carica papaya, and their characterization was performed using various techniques, including UV-Spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the antifungal activity of the Carica papaya extract and silver nanoparticles was evaluated against aflatoxigenic fungi in which the AgNPs showed greater inhibition value between 10 mm and 22 mm. These findings contribute to the understanding that silver nanoparticles may significantly inhibit the growth of aflatoxigenic fungi isolated from poultry feed.