Shape Coding Microhydrogel for a Real-Time Mycotoxin Detection System Based on Smartphones

Abstract

How to create a portable and quick way to detect multiple coexisting toxins is closely related to everyone's health. In this paper, we have established a real-time mycotoxin detection system that combined shape-encoded hydrogel particle preparation technology and image processing technology with smartphone portable devices. First, hydrogel microparticles containing a specific recognition toxin aptamer were programmable synthesized by stop-flow lithography. The hydrogel particles prepared by us had clear, variable signals and high coding capacity. Then, the indirect competitive detection based on aptamers was simple and rapid; the total reaction time was no more than 1 h 45 min and the image processing process was no more than 10 s. Finally, images could be captured by cameras on portable devices and smartphones. The self-built Android app that used the image recognition program installed on the smartphone would analyze the image and return the results in real time. The results showed that the detection limit reached 0.1 ng/mL, which was lower than the standard. In summary, this platform provides a fast, portable, high-throughput detection solution for real-time detection of mycotoxins, with excellent application prospects.

Recent advances in aptamer applications for analytical biochemistry

“…Of these mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are strong carcinogenic, mutagenic and cytotoxic factors. According to Ji et al [ 127 ], traditional methods such as chromatography and mass spectrometry are accurate and sensitive, but their operation is cumbersome and requires expensive laboratory equipment and highly skilled operators. These researchers therefore developed a smartphone-based detection system for AFB1 and OTA as follows.…”

“…As proof-of-concept, Ji et al [ 127 ] designed experiments to detect mycotoxins in dry corn flour by adding low, medium, and high levels (0.5, 20, and 200 ng) of mycotoxins OTA and AFB1 to dry corn flour (0.1 g). Following a simple extraction procedure (5 min) and centrifugation (10 min) the supernatant was collected, filtered and analyzed via the smartphone imaging and a standard curve.…”

Advanced Bioresponsive Multitasking Hydrogels in the New Era of Biomedicine

“…The location and fluorescence intensity represented the type and concentration of mycotoxin, respectively, with an LOD of 0.1 ng mL −1 . [26] Some additional examples of multitasking hydrogels used as POCTs are summarized in Table 1. [24] (Quick) Sampling and in situ reporting Wireless in situ electrochemical sweat sensing system based on hydrogel micropatch and fingertip scanner for point-of-care analysis of caffeine and lactate (LOD ≈0.12 × 10 −3 m) [18] Sample collection (adsorption) in gel state, sample processing in sol state (sensing, quantification, multiplexing)…”

“…The location and fluorescence intensity represented the type and concentration of mycotoxin, respectively, with an LOD of 0.1 ng mL −1 . [26] Some additional examples of multitasking hydrogels used as POCTs are summarized in Table 1.…”

Aptamer Induced Multicolored AuNCs-WS2 “Turn on” FRET Nano Platform for Dual-Color Simultaneous Detection of AflatoxinB1 and Zearalenone

“…Mostly, fungi are adopted to produce multiple mycotoxins simultaneously and can contaminate feed and foodstuff at the same time. , This is primarily significant regarding AFB 1 and ZEN, which are omnipresent and co-occur in a range of maize and maize products . Therefore, it is important to detect these toxins to prevent damage in humans and to eradicate them from corn and other agricultural foodstuffs.…”