Recent Advances in Detection of Ochratoxin-A

Abstract

Ochratoxin-A[7-(L-β-phenylalanylcarbonyl)-carboxyl-5-chloro-8-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-3R-methyl-isocumarin, OTA] is a common food contaminant mycotoxin that enters the human body through the consumption of improperly stored food products. Upon ingestion, it leads to immuno-suppression and immuno-toxicity. OTA has been known to produce nephrotoxic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic activity (via oxidative DNA damage) in several species. This review introduces potentials of electrochemical biosensor to provide breakthroughs in OTA detection through improved selectivity and sensitivity and also the current approaches for detecting OTA in food products.