A simple method for point-of-need extraction, concentration and rapid multi-mycotoxin immunodetection in feeds using...

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Rapid mycotoxin detection is crucial for food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Existing biosensing methods often require complex, solvent-based sample preparation.
• There is a need for faster, safer, and more efficient mycotoxin analysis techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, green sample preparation methodology for mycotoxin detection.
• To enable rapid, single-step extraction and concentration of multiple mycotoxins.
• To validate the method with a microfluidic immunoassay for point-of-need applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a polyethylene glycol-sodium citrate aqueous two-phase system for mycotoxin extraction.
• Optimized a single-step extraction and concentration procedure for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and deoxynivalenol (DON).
• Validated the method using a rapid multi-toxin microfluidic competitive immunoassay on spiked feed samples.

Main Results:

• Achieved single-step extraction and concentration of AFB1, OTA, and DON within 20 minutes.
• Demonstrated effective analysis in complex solid matrices like corn, soy, chickpea, and sunflower-based feeds.
• Obtained sensitive limits of detection in corn: 4.6 ng/g for AFB1, 24.1 ng/g for OTA, and 129.7 ng/g for DON.

Conclusions:

• The developed green sample preparation method is effective for rapid mycotoxin analysis.
• The methodology provides fit-for-purpose sensitivity for regulatory compliance in animal feed.
• This approach offers a safe, efficient, and field-deployable solution for semi-quantitative mycotoxin testing.