Rapid detection of four mycotoxins in corn using a microfluidics and microarray-based immunoassay system

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology
• Food Safety

Background:

• Mycotoxins pose significant risks to human and animal health.
• Contamination of food, fodder, and commodities with mycotoxins is a global concern.
• Existing detection methods can be time-consuming and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, sensitive, and automated immunoassay system for detecting multiple mycotoxins.
• To utilize microfluidics and protein microarrays for enhanced detection capabilities.
• To provide a user-friendly and efficient solution for mycotoxin analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of custom microfluidic devices for simultaneous mycotoxin detection.
• Integration of fluid control and imaging systems for automated analysis.
• Development of a protein microarray-based immunoassay for four key mycotoxins: T-2 toxin, aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, and zearalenone.

Main Results:

• The system achieved automated detection of four mycotoxins within 30 minutes.
• Standard curves showed excellent logistic correlation (R² > 0.98) with working ranges of 0.1–20 ng/mL.
• Limits of detection ranged from 0.03 to 1.24 ng/mL for simultaneous detection, with recovery rates of 80–110% in spiked samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic immunoassay system offers a rapid, reliable, and automated method for detecting multiple mycotoxins.
• The technology is suitable for analyzing complex matrices like water and field corn.
• This system represents a significant advancement in food safety and contaminant monitoring.