A multiplex microarray lateral flow immunoassay device for simultaneous determination of five mycotoxins in rice

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Mycotoxin co-occurrence in food poses significant risks to human and animal health.
• Accurate and rapid detection methods are crucial for ensuring food safety.
• Existing methods for mycotoxin detection can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an eco-friendly, on-site method for simultaneous detection of five regulated mycotoxins in rice.
• To create an innovative multiplex microarray-based lateral flow immunoassay.
• To utilize a novel portable reader for rapid quantification of mycotoxins.

Main Methods:

• Development of an eco-friendly, ultrafast extraction procedure using a bio-based solvent.
• Implementation of a multiplex microarray-based lateral flow immunoassay.
• Utilizing a novel luminescent organic dye for signal generation.
• Employing a portable reader with a user-friendly interface for data acquisition.

Main Results:

• Successful simultaneous determination of aflatoxin B1, T-2 toxin, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisin B1 in rice.
• Achieved recoveries ranging from 77% to 127%.
• Detection limits were between 0.56 and 1.89 μg/kg, below regulatory limits.
• Relative standard deviation was consistently below 25%.

Conclusions:

• The developed analytical system provides an accurate and efficient on-site method for multiple mycotoxin detection in rice.
• The eco-friendly approach and portable reader facilitate rapid food safety assessments.
• This method addresses the growing global concern of mycotoxin contamination in food.