RAPID DETECTION OF AFLATOXIN B-1 WITH IMMUNOCHEMICAL OPTRODES

We have produced working fiber-optic-based biosensors that have detect ed aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)) in foods which were previously assayed with standard methods. In this study, we compare fiber-optic biosensor dete ction levels with those of a conventional ELISA. These detections requ ire little specialized training of technicians, and as little as one h our to perform. AFB(1) concentrations were measured by several fiber-o ptic approaches based on fluorescence. We detected AFB(1) by its nativ e fluorescence, and alternatively, in the competition mode with either FITC-labelled antibody or enzyme-labelled antibody. Extractions of AF B(1) from food sources (peanut and corn meal) were made and successful ly tested using fiber-optics. Detection of 0.05 ng/mL AFB(1) was found with both of these sources using the native fluorescent format.