Organic Cation Receptor for Colorimetric Lateral Flow Device: Detection of Zearalenone in Food Samples

As per the WHO reports, it has been estimated that almost 25% of food crops contain mycotoxins as the major contaminant. In this work, we developed a paper-based colorimetric lateral flow device (CLFD) impregnated with an organic cation receptor (OCR) for sensitive and selective detection of zearalenone (ZEN). Various techniques such as ultraviolet (UV)-visible absorption, cyclic voltammetry, and fluorescence spectroscopy were used for the detection of mycotoxins, and it was observed that OCR shows sensitivity and selectivity toward zearalenone (ZEN) only, irrespective of any other analytes. Furthermore, the colorimetric test revealed that the developed OCR shows a change in color with the addition of ZEN from greenish-gray to blue that is visible to the naked eye. The quantification of ZEN was also achieved using RGB analysis and compared with UV-visible spectroscopy data. Further, for the onsite detection of ZEN, a paper-based CLFD was also developed and used to evaluate the spiked corn sample containing ZEN, and it provided significant results with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.31 nM (3 sigma method), good linearity (R-2 = 0.9702), good reproducibility (SD = +/- 6%, triplicate), and good recovery of ZEN of 95-102% with a variation coefficient (VC) varying from 1.56 to 4.62%. Therefore, the device has the potential to check the mycotoxin toxicity in food products and is helpful in remote and developing areas.

Automated summary

According to WHO reports, 25% of food crops are contaminated by mycotoxins. In this study, a paper-based colorimetric lateral flow device was developed for the sensitive and selective detection of zearalenone. The device showed potential for checking mycotoxin toxicity in food products and is especially helpful in remote and developing areas.