Electrochemical biosensors for food security: Mycotoxins detection

Abstract

This chapter describes the state-of-the-art of electrochemical biosensors employed for food security with a particular focus on mycotoxin detection. Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi contaminating food and feed, during crop growth or processing products. These compounds are responsible for mycotoxicosis with symptoms of intoxication causing substantial effects on animal and human health. Based on the adverse associated effect, it has been very crucial to develop ultrasensitive detection devices, in order to ensure food safety and prevent risks in agro-food and environmental sector. For these purposes, many biosensors based on different bio-recognition elements and using different analyzing technique have been reported. This chapter provides an overview of the recent advancement in the field of enzymatic sensor, immunosensor and aptasensor for mycotoxins detection, with a special emphasizes on the monitoring of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A.