Simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins using MXene-based electrochemical aptasensor array and a self-developed multi-channel portable device

In response to the pressing need for highly efficient simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins, which are often found co-occurring in food raw materials and feed, an MXene-based electrochemical aptasensor array (MBEAA) was developed. This aptasensor array utilizes high-specificity aptamers as recognition elements, enabling the capture of electrical signal changes in the presence of target mycotoxins. Based on this platform, a multi-channel portable electrochemical device, enabling rapid, cost-effective, and simultaneous detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and zealenone (ZEN) was further developed. The developed system boasts a wide detection range of 1.0 × 10−1 to 10.0 ng mL−1, with remarkable performance characterized by ultra-low detection limits of 41.2 pg mL−1, 27.6 pg mL−1, and 33.0 pg mL−1 for AFB1, OTA, and ZEN, respectively. Successfully applied in corn samples, this method offers a portable, easy-to-operate, and cost-effective solution for simultaneous multi-mycotoxin detection. Moreover, the application of the self-developed detection system could be expanded for simultaneous detection of many different targets when their specific aptamers or antibodies were available. [Display omitted] •The aptamer was used as a capture probe to detect mycotoxins is feasible.•A MXene-based electrochemical aptasensor array (MBEAA) was fabricated.•A portable electrochemical simultaneous device (PESD) was developed.•Simultaneous detection for mycotoxin was achieved by using MBEAA and PESD.