Nanozyme-based biosensing strategies for aflatoxin detection: Recent advances and perspectives

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Aflatoxins (AFs) are highly toxic mycotoxins posing significant risks to food safety and human health.
• Regulatory bodies mandate stringent trace-level detection limits for AFs, such as 2 μg/kg for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in cereals.
• Conventional detection methods like chromatography and immunoassays are reliable but often labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of nanozyme-based biosensors for aflatoxin detection.
• To discuss various classes of nanozymes and their application in AFs sensing.
• To identify challenges and future directions for nanozyme biosensor technology in aflatoxin analysis.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing literature on nanozymes and aflatoxin detection.
• Classification of nanozymes based on composition and structure.
• Discussion of nanozyme-based biosensor designs and mechanisms for AFs detection.

Main Results:

• Nanozymes offer stable, engineerable, enzyme-mimicking catalytic amplification for sensitive detection.
• Various nanozyme types (e.g., metal oxides, carbon-based) show promise for AFs sensing.
• Nanozyme biosensors present a viable alternative to traditional methods, offering enhanced sensitivity and speed.

Conclusions:

• Nanozyme-based biosensors represent a rapidly advancing field for the sensitive and efficient detection of aflatoxins.
• Further research is needed to address challenges related to selectivity, stability, and real-world application.
• This technology holds significant potential for improving food safety monitoring and protecting public health.