The article discusses the challenges posed by mycotoxin contamination in food products and the need for rapid on-site detection methods due to health risks.
Traditional lab-based techniques for mycotoxin detection are accurate but time-consuming and not suitable for field use.
Biosensors paired with microfluidic technology offer rapid, sensitive, and portable solutions for mycotoxin detection in complex food samples.
Microfluidics allow for precise control over fluid dynamics, enabling efficient sample preparation and improved detection sensitivity.
Material selection for microfluidic chip fabrication, including substrates like glass, silicon, polymers, and paper, impacts performance and cost.
Recognition elements in biosensors, such as aptamers and molecularly imprinted polymers, provide specificity for target toxins.
Sensing modalities like colorimetric, fluorescence-based, SERS, electrochemical, and photoelectrochemical sensors are employed for mycotoxin detection.
The integration of diverse sensing technologies with microfluidic platforms allows for real-time detection of mycotoxins in food samples.
Challenges in commercializing microfluidic biosensors include reproducibility, stability of recognition elements, and mass production.
Future research may focus on nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and collaboration across sectors for advancing on-site mycotoxin detection.
The article emphasizes the potential of microfluidic biosensors to revolutionize on-site mycotoxin detection and enhance food safety globally.