The effect of variations in cold plasma conditions on the detoxification of Aflatoxin M1 and degradation products

The aim of this study was to explore the chemical reactive species of different operating gases, and their effect on the degradation of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) by cold plasma by measuring the reactive species concentration. Helium, at 80, 90 or 95%, was used mixed with oxygen, nitrogen and air. The efficacy of cold plasma on aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) reduction was improved when decreasing the ratio of helium in the gas mixture. The ratio of the gas mixtures changed the cold plasma chemistry believed to be due to the differences in the concentrations of the reactive species. The degradation products of AFM1 after cold plasma treatment using a helium/air gas mixture and the degradation pathway were identified by LCMS. AFM1 was oxidised by reactive species in the cold plasma to produce degradant products with, theoretically, lower toxicity than AFM1.