Latest trends in mycotoxin detection

 

 

Beatriz Prieto-Simón^1* and Mònica Campàs^2,3

¹School of Bionics, Tokyo University of Technology, Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan

²IRTA, Ctra. Poble Nou, Sant Carles de la Ràpita (Tarragona), Spain

³Xarxa de Referència de Recerca i Desenvolupament en Aqüicultura de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Spain

 

 

Abstract

Purpose of review: Knowledge about harmful effects that mycotoxins can cause to human and animal health has generated a spread of novel techniques to control contamination of foodstuffs. This review describes the emerging mycotoxin detection techniques, able to be used as simple and rapid screening tests for cost-effective food control.

Findings: Whereas chromatographic techniques and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays have been commonly used to determine mycotoxin concentrations, there is a growing trend towards the development of immunodipsticks, fluorescence polarisation immunoassays (FPIAs) and sensors, justified by their performance characteristics, often fulfilling the requirements set by the most stringent legislations. While immunodipsticks are simple tests that usually should be combined with other techniques for more accurate results, FPIAs and sensors can substitute for traditional methods. Regarding sensors, immunosensors with fluorescence detection attain the lowest limits of detection (LODs). As a further step, immunosensor arrays have been developed, enabling fast, simple and reproducible detection of several mycotoxins simultaneously. Finally, electronic noses, as odour mappers recognising fungal volatiles produced during mycotoxin synthesis, have been also considered as mycotoxin indicators.

Directions for future research: Previously to miniaturisation, as a step towards portability for in situ measurements, some shortcomings should be further studied, such as the need of highly selective receptors and new alternatives to perform label-free approaches, ensuring excellent sensitivity and LOD. Eventually, these advances should be used to develop more accurate and simple multi-toxin analysis of several samples simultaneously.

 

Keywords: mycotoxin; immunodipstick; fluorescence polarisation immunoassay; biosensor; array; electronic nose

 

Stewart Postharvest Review 2008, 6:3

Published online 01 December 2008

doi: 10.2212/spr.2008.6.3