Surface enhanced Raman scattering sensor for highly sensitive and selective detection of ochratoxin A

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biosensing
• Food Safety

Background:

• Trace detection of toxic compounds, especially mycotoxins in food, is critical.
• Mycotoxins pose significant risks to human health and require sensitive detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive and specific Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) sensor for ochratoxin A detection.
• To establish a reliable method for quantifying ochratoxin A in complex matrices at trace levels.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a simple rough gold film as a substrate for the SERS sensor.
• Employed an aptamer as a specific bioreceptor for ochratoxin A.
• Applied partial least squares regression for spectral analysis and quantification.

Main Results:

• Achieved highly sensitive detection of ochratoxin A down to the picomolar range.
• Demonstrated accurate detection across a wide concentration range (picomolar to micromolar).
• Validated sensor specificity through negative detection tests with deoxynivalenol and bovine serum albumin.

Conclusions:

• The developed SERS sensor offers a sensitive and specific method for ochratoxin A detection.
• The sensor's performance exceeds current legal limits for mycotoxins in food.
• This technology holds promise for robust food safety monitoring.