Early-Warning Biosensing of Aflatoxin Contamination: From Fungal Colonization to Toxin Synthesis

Area of Science:

• Food Safety Science
• Biosensor Technology
• Mycotoxin Research

Background:

• Aflatoxin contamination is a major global food safety concern.
• Current methods focus on post-contamination detection, limiting intervention opportunities.
• A shift towards early detection is crucial for effective risk management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review biomarker-driven biosensing platforms for early aflatoxin detection.
• To analyze stage-specific biomarkers for intercepting aflatoxigenesis.
• To evaluate technological advancements and challenges in biosensor development for aflatoxin control.

Main Methods:

• Systematic analysis of stage-specific biomarkers (spores, VOCs, genes, proteins, precursors).
• Evaluation of nanomaterial-enhanced transducers and multiplexed detection.
• Assessment of AI-integrated sensor arrays and bioreceptor specificity.

Main Results:

• Temporal biosensing using biomarkers creates critical intervention windows.
• Advances in sensor technology enable more sensitive and specific detection.
• Challenges remain in field deployment and quantitative correlation.

Conclusions:

• Biomarker-driven biosensing offers a proactive strategy for aflatoxin control.
• Future work requires quantitative models, point-of-care devices, and integrated networks.
• This approach strengthens global food security through early risk management.