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.
Keywords: Antifungal activity, Aflatoxigenic fungi, Carica papaya, Poultry feed, Silver nanoparticles.
