Quantum dot microsphere-based immunochromatography test strip enabled sensitive and quantitative on-site detections...

Area of Science:

• Food safety analysis
• Biosensor technology
• Mycotoxin detection

Background:

• Mycotoxins, such as Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), Ochratoxin A (OTA), and Zearalenone (ZEN), are harmful contaminants in moldy grains.
• Accurate and rapid on-site detection of these multiple mycotoxins is crucial for public health and food quality control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sensitive, quantitative, and on-site detection method for AFB1, OTA, and ZEN.
• To utilize quantum dot microsphere-based immunochromatography for enhanced detection capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Design of a quantum dot microsphere-based immunochromatographic test strip.
• Application of the test strip for simultaneous detection of AFB1, OTA, and ZEN in grain samples.
• Utilizing a portable handheld reader for quantitative analysis.

Main Results:

• Achieved low detection limits: 0.01 ng/mL for AFB1, 0.2 ng/mL for OTA, and 0.032 ng/mL for ZEN.
• Demonstrated quantitative measurement ranges suitable for practical applications.
• High accuracy and good selectivity were observed for all targeted mycotoxins.
• Detection process completed on-site within 45 minutes with simple manual operations.

Conclusions:

• The developed quantum dot microsphere-based immunochromatographic test strip provides a sensitive, quantitative, and rapid on-site solution for detecting multiple mycotoxins.
• This method is a promising tool for ensuring food safety and protecting human health from mycotoxin contamination.