In dairy industry, one of most pressing unmet needs is the timely detection of aflatoxin M1 contaminations that originate from animal feed and are secreted into milk and represents a hazard for human health and an economic loss for the dairy industry. The available technology for aflatoxin detection is laboratory-based, in most cases requires sample preparation and does not provide timely identification of contaminants, thus fails to deliver cost-effective management of milk quality. We have investigated further advancements with respect the traditional methodologies (e.g. ELISA, HPLC), by evaluating an novel twofold approach based on microfluidic technologies, biochemistry for sample preparation and photonic integrated sensors leading toward precision process management in dairy industry. Our aim was to develop a detection instrument2 that will integrate sample preparation and highly sensitive and selective label-free biosensing based on innovative photonic sensors functionalised with aptamers for the detection (Limit of detection < 50 ng/Kg) of aflatoxin M1 in milk samples. The main purpose of the sample preparation stage is to clean the milk sample from unwanted components like fats, which may interfere with the following stages and cause clogging of the system, and to concentrate and make the toxin available for detection. The core of the system is the detection module based on a low cost Si-based photonic device with aptamers to provide selectivity to targets and improved sensor stability. This work aim is to present the current technical achievements of this research activity and stimulate the discussion on bio-microtechnologies application in the dairy industry.
Microtechnologies For Rapid Detection Of Aflatoxin M1 In Milk
Adami, Andrea;Lorenzelli, Leandro
2015-01-01
Abstract
In dairy industry, one of most pressing unmet needs is the timely detection of aflatoxin M1 contaminations that originate from animal feed and are secreted into milk and represents a hazard for human health and an economic loss for the dairy industry. The available technology for aflatoxin detection is laboratory-based, in most cases requires sample preparation and does not provide timely identification of contaminants, thus fails to deliver cost-effective management of milk quality. We have investigated further advancements with respect the traditional methodologies (e.g. ELISA, HPLC), by evaluating an novel twofold approach based on microfluidic technologies, biochemistry for sample preparation and photonic integrated sensors leading toward precision process management in dairy industry. Our aim was to develop a detection instrument2 that will integrate sample preparation and highly sensitive and selective label-free biosensing based on innovative photonic sensors functionalised with aptamers for the detection (Limit of detection < 50 ng/Kg) of aflatoxin M1 in milk samples. The main purpose of the sample preparation stage is to clean the milk sample from unwanted components like fats, which may interfere with the following stages and cause clogging of the system, and to concentrate and make the toxin available for detection. The core of the system is the detection module based on a low cost Si-based photonic device with aptamers to provide selectivity to targets and improved sensor stability. This work aim is to present the current technical achievements of this research activity and stimulate the discussion on bio-microtechnologies application in the dairy industry.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
