The Optimization of a Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Detection of Aflatoxin B1 in Potable Water Samples

Aflatoxin B
₁
(AFB
₁
) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic metabolite produced by fungi of genus Aspergillus. While AFB
₁
contamination in food and crops is well known, little attention has been paid to potable water which is another potential source of AFB
₁
contamination that can be ingested by humans. In order to develop a robust, rapidly manufactured sensing device that can monitor the AFB
₁
contamination in water, a lateral flow immunostrip based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been optimized for determination of AFB
₁
in potable water samples. A visual detection limit (LOD) of 0.5 ppb was achieved for determination of AFB
₁
for the majority of water samples tested. The strip remained functional after being stored at 4 °C for 3 months.