Application of Metal-Organic Framework-Based Electrochemiluminescence Sensors for Mycotoxin Detection in Food

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi, which extensively contaminate agricultural products such as grains and nuts. Common mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, and deoxynivalenol, can induce liver cancer, kidney damage, neural tube defects, and immune suppression, necessitating highly sensitive detection methods to ensure food safety. Conventional techniques are limited by complex procedures and insufficient sensitivity. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL), owing to its high sensitivity, low background signal, and rapid response, has emerged as a promising strategy for mycotoxin analysis. In this context, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their high surface area and tunable structures, have been widely employed in ECL sensors to improve sensing performance. This review summarizes the construction strategies of MOF-based ECL sensors, the diverse functional roles of MOFs in ECL sensing, the associated sensing mechanisms, and the applications of these sensors for the detection of mycotoxins in food. Current challenges, including material stability, sensor reproducibility, and practical applicability, are discussed, and future directions are outlined. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of stable MOF materials, their integration into portable and intelligent ECL sensing platforms, and the establishment of standardized and scalable production methods to enable practical food safety monitoring.