Highly Sensitive Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Mycotoxins Using a Protein Microarray on a TiO₂-Modified Porous...

Area of Science:

• Biomolecular Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Mycotoxin contamination poses significant risks to food safety and human health.
• Accurate and rapid detection methods are crucial for effective mycotoxin management.
• Existing detection techniques can be time-consuming and lack multiplexing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a novel protein microarray for simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins.
• To develop a sensitive and high-throughput method for mycotoxin screening.
• To utilize a TiO2-modified porous silicon surface for enhanced immunoassay performance.

Main Methods:

• Development of a competitive immunoassay microarray protocol on a TiO2-modified porous silicon (PSi) surface.
• Immobilization of mycotoxin artificial antigens using epoxy groups on the TiO2-PSi surface.
• Simultaneous detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and fumonisin B1 (FB1).

Main Results:

• Achieved wide linear detection ranges: OTA (0.01-1 ng/mL), AFB1 (0.001-1 ng/mL), FB1 (0.01-1 ng/mL).
• Obtained low limits of detection (LODs): OTA (0.433 ng/mL), AFB1 (0.243 ng/mL), FB1 (0.093 ng/mL).
• Demonstrated high specificity for target mycotoxins and analogues, with recovery rates of 75-120% in real samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed TiO2-PSi protein microarray offers a sensitive and specific platform for multiplex mycotoxin detection.
• This method provides a rapid and high-throughput alternative to traditional methods like ELISA.
• The technology holds significant potential for food safety applications and screening of other target molecules.