Recent Advancements in Lateral Flow Assays for Food Mycotoxin Detection: A Review of Nanoparticle-Based Methods and...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Food Safety

Background:

• Mycotoxins cause diseases and economic losses globally.
• Conventional lab-based detection methods lack portability.
• Demand for rapid, sensitive, point-of-care testing (POCT) is increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances in nanoparticle-based lateral flow assays (LFAs) for mycotoxin detection.
• To evaluate performance trends of singular and multiplex LFAs.
• To assess the impact of nanomaterials and innovations on assay capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 78 studies (2015-2024) on nanoparticle-based LFAs.
• Analysis of data on singular and multiplex mycotoxin detection.
• Evaluation of various nanomaterials (AuNPs, AgNPs, QDs, etc.) and integrated technologies (smartphone readers, SERS).

Main Results:

• Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are most common, but progress seen with other nanomaterials.
• Multiplex LFAs show significant performance improvements post-2022.
• Sample matrix type did not significantly affect LFA sensitivity.
• Most singular LFAs achieved moderate sensitivity; few reached ultra-sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Nanoparticle-LFAs are advancing for mycotoxin screening.
• Multiplex assays and system-level optimizations are key drivers of progress.
• Further innovations in signal amplification and standardization are needed for ultra-sensitive, field-deployable platforms.