One-step label-free electrochemical immunoassay for Fumonisin B1 in food using carbodiimide-activated thiolated surfaces

Mycotoxins are produced by various fungal species that lead to significant health hazard to both humans and livestock. Fumonisin B1 (FumB1), a mycotoxin primarily produced by Fusarium species contaminates a wide range of food commodities, and pose serious health risks owing to its carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects. Although conventional detection methods for FumB1 offer high sensitivity and accuracy, they often require complex sample preparation and advanced instrumentation, making them unsuitable for on-site testing. Therefore, the development of rapid, sensitive and field-deployable detection method for FumB1 is crucial to mitigate risks associated with FumB1. Here, a one-step label-free electrochemical immunosensor has been developed using a cysteamine (CysAm)-modified screen-printed gold electrode (AuSPE) for the detection of FumB1. The sensor was developed by immobilizing anti-FumB1 antibodies onto the functionalized electrode surface. The developed FumB1 immunosensor demonstrated linear range of detection from 0.001 to 1.0 μg·mL⁻¹ with a calculated limit of detection (LOD) of 0.12 ng·mL⁻¹ . The developed sensor provides rapid and sensitive detection of FumB1, and has potential for on-site testing by the regulatory bodies and food industries to assure food safety and quality control.