An automated, handheld biosensor for aflatoxin

A new immunoaffinity fluorometric biosensor has been developed for detecting and quantifying aflatoxins, a family of potent fungi-produced carcinogens that are commonly found in a variety of agriculture products. They have also been cited as a biological agent under weapons development. The handheld, self-contained biosensor is fully automatic, highly sensitive, quick, quantitative, and requires no special storage. Approximately 100 measurements can be made before refurbishment is required, and concentrations from 0.1 parts per billion (ppb) to 50 ppb can be determined in <2 min with a 1 ml sample volume. The device operates on the principles of immunoaffinity for specificity and fluorescence for a quantitative assay. The analytic procedure is flexible so that other chemical and biological analytes could be detected with minor modifications to the current device. Advances in electro-optical components, electronics, and miniaturized fluidics were combined to produce this reliable, small, and versatile instrument.