Abstract
Detection of mycotoxins, especially aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), in milk is crucial to be able to guarantee food quality and safety. In recent years, biosensors have been emerging as a fast, reliable and low-cost technique for the detection of this toxin. In this work, flexible biosensors were fabricated using dispense-printed electrodes, which were functionalized with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and subsequently coated with specific antibodies to improve their sensitivity. Next, the immunosensor was tested for the detection of AFM1 in buffer solution and a spiked milk sample using a chronoamperometric technique. Results showed that the working range of the sensors was 0.01 µg/L at minimum and 1 µg/L at maximum in both buffer and spiked milk. The lower limit of detection of the SWCNT-functionalized sensor was 0.02 µg/L, which indicates an improved sensitivity compared to the sensors reported so far. The sensitivity and detection range were in accordance with the limitation values imposed by regulations on milk and its products. Therefore, considering the low fabrication cost, the ease of operation, and the rapid read-out, the use of this sensor could contribute to safeguarding consumers’ health.
Highlights
The growth of different fungal genii like Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Claviceps, and Alternania under favorable conditions in a variety of food products and in animal feed leads to the synthesis of their secondary metabolites, called mycotoxins [1,2,3]
IgG), aflatoxin M1 (AFM1)–HRP conjugate and reaction stopping acidic solution, and citrate buffer containing 0.1M KCl were purchased from 2B Scientific (Upper Heyford, UK)
Characterization of electrical properties: The sheet resistance (Rsh ) of the WE prior to spray deposition of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was measured with a four-point probe system, using a source meter
Summary
The growth of different fungal genii like Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Claviceps, and Alternania under favorable conditions in a variety of food products and in animal feed leads to the synthesis of their secondary metabolites, called mycotoxins [1,2,3]. It is estimated that approximately 25% of crops worldwide are contaminated with mycotoxin [4,5]. This results in economic losses as well as human health problems, especially in the case of ingestion of contaminated food [2]. The best known mycotoxins are aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, patulin, and trichothecenes. These toxins can represent potential hazards to human beings [1], since they are carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic, nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, immunotoxic, and may damage the nerve system [2]. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a metabolic product of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), is present in milk and milk products [6]
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