Recent progress in nanomaterial-based assay for the detection of phytotoxins in foods. (30th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Qilei; Zhu, Lin; Chen, Jiaxuan; Jiang, Tao; Ye, Huazhen; Ji, Hong; Tsang, Siuwai; Zhao, Zhongzhen; Yi, Tao; Chen, Hubiao
• Is Part Of: Food chemistry. Volume 277(2019)
• Page Start: 162
• Page End: 178
• Publication Date: 2019-03-30
• Subjects: Nanomaterials -- Magnetic nanoparticles -- Graphene oxide -- Carbon nanotubes -- Toxins -- Food safety; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.10.075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-8146

Abstract

Highlights: Alkaloids, cyanides, and proteins are selected as featured phytotoxin categories. Specific sensing strategies are discussed to match target molecule properties. Nanomaterials act as analyte enricher, structure mediator, target reactant, or signaling agent. CNTs, GO, and Au NPs are multifunctional with great developing potential. Abstract: Phytotoxins refers to toxic chemicals derived from plants. They include both secondary metabolites that are dose-dependently toxic and allergens that can cause anaphylactic shock in sensitive individuals. Detecting phytotoxins in foods is increasingly important. Conventional methods for detecting phytotoxins lack sufficient sensitivity and operational convenience. Nanomaterial-based determination assays show great competence in fast and accurate sensing of trace substances. In the present review, representative phytotoxin categories of alkaloids, cyanides, and proteins are discussed. Application of notable nanomaterials, e.g. carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, magnetic nanoparticles, metal-based nanotools, and quantum dots, in specific sensing strategies to fit the physiochemical properties of the target toxins are summarized. Nanomaterials mainly play four roles in phytotoxin detection: 1) analyte enricher; 2) sensor structure mediator; 3) target recognizer or reactant; 4) signaling agent. Great achievements have been made in the detection of trace plant-derived toxins in food matrices, yet there are still challenges awaiting further investigation.