Shape Coding Micro-Hydrogel for Real-Time Mycotoxins Detection System based on Smartphone

How to create a portable and quick way to detect multiple coexisting toxins is closely related to everyone's health. In this paper, we have established a real-time mycotoxins detection system that combined shape-encoded hydrogel particle preparation technology and image processing technology with smartphone portable device. Firstly, hydrogel microparticles containing a specific recognition toxin aptamer were programmable synthesized by stop-flow lithography. The hydrogel particles prepared by us have clear, variable signals and high coding capacity. Then, the indirect competitive detection based on aptamers was simple and rapid, the total reaction time is no more than 1h 45min and the image processing process is no more than 10 seconds. Finally, images could be captured by cameras on portable devices and smartphones. The self-built Android app that used the image recognition program installed on the smartphone would real-time analyze the image and return the results. The results showed that the detection limit reached 0.1 ng/ml, which was lower than the standard. In summary, this platform provides a fast, portable, high-throughput detection solution for real-time detection of mycotoxins, with excellent application prospects.