Polydiacetylene based colorimetric nano-sensor for on-spot detection of aflatoxin in food matrices and animal feed

Global food security is constantly being challenged by the prevalence of aflatoxin (AF), a carcinogenic mycotoxin found in various staple foods consumed across the globe. This challenge is further compounded by unavailability of convenient, on-field aflatoxin sensing devices. In this study, liposome sensors conjugated with polydiacetylene (PDA) have been developed for robust, low-cost, on-site quantification of aflatoxin from feed samples assisted by a convenient mobile phone-based application. Soyabean-sourced phosphatidylcholine (content & GE; 94.0%) demonstrated to be a stronger structural backbone for developed lipoid sensor and is comparatively cheaper and sustainable alternative to conventional backbones like synthetic 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) for the preparation of based liposomes. Anti-aflatoxin antibodies conjugated with chemically activated liposomes provide a consistent chromatic response with aflatoxin. These sensors were used to detect the presence of aflatoxin in food and animal feed matrices. The detection time of the developed sensor was 5 min and can provide rugged and reliable detection of AFB1 up to the limit of 5.7 parts per billion (ppb).