A Lateral Flow Strip Based Aptasensor for Detection of Ochratoxin A in Corn Samples

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biosensors

Background:

• Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a widespread mycotoxin contaminant in grains and wine.
• Accurate and rapid detection methods for OTA are crucial for food safety.
• Existing detection methods can be time-consuming or require specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, rapid, and sensitive fluorescent aptasensor for Ochratoxin A detection.
• To create a one-step determination method for OTA in food matrices, specifically corn.
• To provide a convenient alternative for routine food safety monitoring.

Main Methods:

• A competitive format lateral flow strip fluorescent aptasensor was designed.
• Biotin-cDNA was immobilized on a nitrocellulose membrane test line.
• Detection involved a Cy5-labeled aptamer that binds to OTA, altering fluorescence signals.

Main Results:

• The aptasensor demonstrated an excellent linear relationship for OTA detection from 1 ng·mL⁻¹ to 1000 ng·mL⁻¹.
• A limit of detection (LOD) of 0.40 ng·mL⁻¹ was achieved.
• Recoveries in spiked corn samples ranged from 96.4% to 104.67%, indicating high accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The developed lateral flow strip fluorescent aptasensor provides a reliable and efficient method for OTA determination.
• This sensor is a viable alternative for the rapid screening of Ochratoxin A in grain samples.
• The study addresses the need for convenient and sensitive mycotoxin detection in food safety applications.