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Updated: May 3, 2026
A Label-free Technique for the Spatio-temporal Imaging of Single Cell Secretions
Published on: November 23, 2015
A simple and sensitive approach for ochratoxin A detection using a label-free fluorescent aptasensor.
Zhenzhen Lv1, Ailiang Chen2, Jinchuan Liu2
1College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China ; Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Agro-product Quality and Safety, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China ; Key Laboratory of Agri-Food Quality and Safety, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China.
A new aptamer-based fluorescence assay enables sensitive and selective detection of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in food. This rapid method accurately quantifies OTA, ensuring food safety and compliance with regulations.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a prevalent mycotoxin contaminant in diverse food products.
- Accurate detection and quantification of OTA are crucial for mitigating consumption risks and ensuring food safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, rapid, and highly sensitive aptamer-based fluorescence detection method for Ochratoxin A.
- To establish a label-free assay for OTA quantification meeting regulatory requirements.
Main Methods:
- Utilized single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) aptamers that form double-strand structures with complementary sequences.
- Employed PicoGreen, a double-strand DNA-specific dye, for ultra-sensitive fluorescence detection.
- Validated the aptasensor using spiked real food samples (beer) to assess matrix effects.
Main Results:
- Achieved detection of OTA as low as 1 ng/mL with a dynamic range exceeding 5 orders of magnitude.
- Demonstrated high selectivity for OTA against structural analogues like N-acetyl-l-phenylalanine and zearalenone.
- Confirmed the assay's practicability and good tolerance to matrix effects in real food samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed aptamer-based assay provides a simple, quick, and sensitive method for OTA screening in food safety.
- The method meets European Commission requirements for OTA maximum residue limits.
- The approach is adaptable for detecting other small molecular compounds using selected aptamers.
