Aflatoxin assay using an amperometric sensor strip and acetylcholinesterase as recognition element

A novel approach for aflatoxin 131 (AFB1) assay was investigated. The assay was based on recently published data that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) could be strongly inhibited by AFB1. A commercially available amperometric sensor strip was chosen as convenient transducer for following of AChE activity through oxidation of metabolic product thiocholine. Whole measuring protocol was simplified and only 10 mu l of AFB1 water solution was needed per one assay. One measuring cycle was typically completed within ten minutes. The proved limit of detection was 4.8 ppb responding to absolutely detected 4.8 pg of AFB1. Expectation of whole device practical impact is discussed.