This study investigates the use of chitosan, extracted from pink shrimp shells, as a stabilizer for argan oil nanoemulsions. Chitosan was obtained through demineralization, deproteination, bleaching, deacetylation, and purification, then characterized through potentiometric titration, viscometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and purity assessments. The resulting chitosan was used to stabilize nanoemulsions formulated with extra-virgin argan oil and a nonionic surfactant using the phase inversion composition (PIC) method. The stability of the nanoemulsion was assessed through light scattering, zeta potential, viscosity, and pH measurements. The extracted chitosan exhibited high purity, a deacetylation degree of 88.34%, a molecular weight of 408.809 kDa, and a crystalline index of 66.36%. Chitosan significantly improved nanoemulsion stability, maintaining droplet integrity for over six months at 40 °C. Higher chitosan concentrations increased droplet size, viscosity, and stability, indicating strong polymer adsorption. These findings demonstrate the potential of shrimp waste-derived chitosan as a sustainable stabilizer for argan oil nanoemulsions, promoting effective bioactive compound delivery and environmental sustainability.

Essential oils (EOs) are promising bio-preservatives for oilseeds; however, their high volatility and strong aroma limit practical applications. In this study, we developed a dual-size microencapsulated formulation of oregano (Origanum compactum) and myrtle (Myrthus communis) EOs (75:25, w/w) using gelatin–gum arabic complex coacervation, and evaluated its antifungal efficacy and effect on seed viability in peanuts. GC-MS analysis of the EO blend identified carvacrol (33.83%) as the dominant constituent. The microcapsules exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 83.56% and were produced in a 70% small/30% large particle ratio to ensure both immediate and sustained vapor release. In vapor-phase assays against toxigenic A. flavus (RP-6), both free and encapsulated EOs inhibited fungal growth in a dose-dependent manner and achieved complete suppression at concentrations ≥0.2 µL mL⁻¹, whereas the wall material alone showed no activity. In a 120-day microcosm storage experiment (0.2 mg EO g⁻¹ kernels; 0.96 mg microcapsules g⁻¹), treated peanuts showed an immediate reduction in total fungal load from 3.52 to 1.48 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ (≈58%), which stabilized near 1.42–1.43 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ up to 90 days, while the control samples increased to 4.25 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ by day 120. The formulation effectively suppressed major storage fungi, including Aspergillus sections Flavi and Nigri, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus, Fusarium, and Alternaria. The antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) was retained after encapsulation (IC₅₀: 0.52 mg mL⁻¹ encapsulated vs. 0.58 mg mL⁻¹ free). Germination power remained comparable to the control throughout storage (≈50–52%), indicating no adverse impact on seed viability. These findings demonstrate that vapor-active, dual-size microencapsulation of oregano-myrtle EOs offers a practical and sustainable approach to enhance peanut safety during storage without compromising germination potential.

The study examined the fungal contamination of peanuts, with a particular emphasis on the Aspergillus section Flavi species, which have the potential to generate carcinogenic mycotoxins like aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). From 30 soil, raw peanut, shelled peanut, and peanut based product samples, 156 strains were isolated and identified as A. flavus. Chromatographic analysis revealed four distinct chemotypes based on mycotoxin production: 55.7% of the isolates produced both CPA and AFB1, 27.5% produced AFB1, 9.6% produced CPA, and 7% were non-toxigenic. The presence of mycotoxigenic A. flavus strains in peanuts is a significant concern for peanut cultivation and human nutrition. This research is the first of its kind in Morocco, aiming to investigate mycotoxin exposure throughout the peanut supply chain.

Trichoderma species are known for their power to control the pathogenic fungi. They can be isolated from soil, plant roots, rotting wood, and other organic substances and are widely distributed in nature. Trichoderma is the most widely utilized fungal biological control agent against crop plant pathogens, including soilborne and foliar infections. Our study is interested in isolating fungi from the wood parts of cedar trunks and identifying its mycoflora. A sample was isolated from the cedar grove of Boutrouba forest located in Ifrane National Park in Morocco. The culture and purification of the isolated fungus were done on a water agar medium and then on a Malt Agar medium. After the purification of the fungus, a molecular characterization allowed us to identify the antagonistic agent Trichoderma simmonsii with a coverage percentage of 97,58% and an identity of 99%. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. simmonsii in Morocco.