Immunochemical tools for mycotoxin detection in food

As a result of the deleterious effects of mycotoxins on human and animal health, and the consequently increasing stringency in the determination of food contamination levels, many researchers have focused their efforts on developing new devices for the detection of these compounds. Biosensors merit special mention due to their sensitivity, accuracy, cost-effectiveness and simplicity, not only of the construction, but also of the sample pre-treatment, if necessary, and the measurement step. Furthermore, biosensor arrays offer additional advantages, such as the possibility to measure multiple samples and provide multi-mycotoxin profiles in one assay. In this case, apart from shortening the analysis time, accuracy is improved by the assessment of matrix interferences and synergistic effects among mycotoxins. Biosensors and arrays for mycotoxins are thus promising biotechnological tools for mycotoxin detection in food.