Multiplexed microfluidic platform coupled with photodetector array for point-of-need and sub-minute detection of food contaminants

This paper presents an innovative integrated microfluidic platform which allows an ultrarapid detection of mycotoxins, a prevalent and increasingly monitored class of food contaminants. The simultaneous detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA), within their respective regulatory limits is achieved in a single step within 60 s, by combining an array of thin-film photosensors and a disposable microfluidic device. This platform can potentially be the basis of portable tools allowing routine and cost-effective on-site screening of mycotoxin contamination by non-specialized personnel and be extended to other applications such as biomedical and environmental.