Ultrasmall nanochannel-coated photoelectrode for confined photoelectrocatalysis of patulin in complex food matrix without affecting nutrition

Efficient degradation of mycotoxins from complex food matrices without affecting their nutrition is challenging. Inspired by the ultrathin cell membrane with selective nanochannels, we prepared a silica nanochannel membrane - modified TiO 2 nanorods (TiO 2 NRs) photoelectrode that enabled efficient and selective photoelectrocatalysis of patulin (PAT) from complex food matrices, while retaining their nutrients. The ultrathin silica membrane with ultra-small nanochannels allow the selective passage of patulin in complex food matrices, while prevent the leakage of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by photoelectrodes. The confined catalysis reaction between PAT and ROS within the ultrasmall nanochannels enhanced PAT degradation efficiency, allowing simplified degradation pathway compared to bare TiO 2 NRs. Even in complex fruit juice matrices with diverse biological components, their target degradation efficiency was not affected. Moreover, the silica nanochannel coating exhibited excellent nutrient-hindering ability, effectively preventing the interaction between ROS and biological nutritional components during photoelectrocatalytic treatments, thereby preserving the nutritional value of the food. As a result, the nanochannel-coated TiO 2 NRs photoelectrode completely mineralized PAT into CO 2 and H 2 O within 2 h while preserving the nutrients. On the contrary, the bare TiO 2 photoelectrode required 6 h for complete degradation, with significant nutrient loss in the juice. Additionally, the degradation efficiency of the nanochannel-coated TiO 2 NRs photoelectrode remains unchanged after five cycles and long-term storage. This study provides valuable insights into the efficient in-situ removal of mycotoxins from complex biological matrices without negatively affecting food nutrition and quality.