Advances in rapid and sensitive biosensors for AF detection: toward enhanced food safety

AFs are among the most dangerous compounds, exhibiting carcinogenic effects on human and liver tissue. Due to their high toxicity and established limits in food and feed products, there is a growing demand for more accurate and sensitive detection methods. Detecting AFs is of paramount importance for ensuring food safety, as even low concentrations can pose risks to both humans and livestock. Various techniques such as electrochemical immunosensors, ELISA tests, chromatographic and spectroscopic methods are extensively employed to quantify AF levels. However, these methods are often time-consuming and costly. Many countries have set permissible total AF limits in ng/g, making their accurate detection a significant challenge. Consequently, the production and storage sectors of food and feed necessitate the development of AF-specific, sensitive, and rapid detection systems. In response, a range of biosensors including immunoassays, electrochemical aptasensors, as well as amperometric, impedimetric, conductometric, potentiometric, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-integrated, colorimetric, and fluorescent biosensors have emerged. This chapter offers insights into common methods for AF detection, the latest advancements in AF biosensors, their technical intricacies, and their achieved detection limits.