Abstract
In attempting to improve upon existing screening assays for mycotoxins a number of biosensors and imaging systems in a variety of instrument platforms have been developed. The biosensor platforms that have been examined range from hand-held devices to benchtop instruments and use technology as diverse as fiber optics, liposomes, small particles (beads), surface plasmon resonance, and microcapillaries. Several of these devices show substantial promise as rapid, sensitive, methods for measuring mycotoxins. The imaging systems that have been developed are presumptive tests for fungal, and by extension mycotoxin, contamination. These systems have used principles as varied as color, fluorescence, and infrared spectroscopy and have been successfully used to indicate fungal contamination. The utility of the techniques for indirectly reducing toxin levels, by removal of product contaminated with fungi, has also been demonstrated. Studies by multiple laboratories to validate the newer biosensor and imaging systems would contribute significantly to their more widespread acceptance, and will hopefully be conducted in the near future.
