Sensing strips for on-site determination of ochratoxin A in milk and wine

Ochratoxin A became a public health concern being one of the mycotoxins that contributes to cancer development. Biomonitoring of ochratoxin A is very important. Therefore, an on-site monitoring of ochratoxin A is proposed based on sensing strips. The sensing strips are stochastic sensors made by deposition of a carbon‑copper nanocomposite layer on silk using cold plasma, and modified with N-(2-mercapto-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-5-yl) oleamide; combined stochastic sensor also has Pt and Ag/AgCl depositions as auxiliary and reference electrodes. Inserted in a portable device, the sensing strips can determine ochratoxin A with high sensitivity (4.29 × 10⁹ s^-1 g^-1mL), and on a wide working concentration range (1.00 × 10^-18-1.00 × 10^-3 g mL^-1). Recoveries higher than 98.00 % with RSD lower than 1.00 % were recorded when applied for on-site determination of ochratoxin A in wine and milk. The sensing strips will help with fast on-site determination of ochratoxin A from milk and wine in supermarkets, preventing the intoxication of population, and contributing to food security.