Mycotoxin analysis via smartphone

When detecting mycotoxins in food, speed is a decisive factor. What matters is that the analysis can be carried out on site in the shortest possible time. There is now a new solution, new technology for mycotoxin analysis: an app on a smartphone. We will show you what it is all about and how it differs from immunochromatography technology (Lateral Flow readers).

3 May 20193 min read

Anyone responsible for mycotoxin testing knows: waiting a long time for test results, or sending samples to the laboratory, is simply not workable in operations. When a shipment of fresh produce arrives, you need to know the result immediately if the product is contaminated. That is why speed matters as much as reliability when it comes to mycotoxin analysis. Rapid tests are therefore more commonly used for on-site analysis than ELISA or HPLC tests.

Rapid mycotoxin tests

The fastest way to detect mycotoxins in food is the immunochromatographic test. This is a rapid immunochromatographic test in strip format. It is based on an antigen-antibody reaction: if mycotoxins are present in the sample, a red line appears on the test strip. Based on the colour, you can read the result with the naked eye or analyse it with a reader.

The Lateral Flow Device (LFD) is widely used because it offers many advantages:

Convenient format
The test procedure is very simple
Fast results
Suitable for on-site analysis (no laboratory required)
Suitable for qualitative and semi-quantitative as well as quantitative determination (with a reader)

Mycotoxin analysis via smartphone: How does it work?

If you want to carry out a quantitative analysis with a lateral flow test, a special reader is usually necessary. However, LFD readers are often quite expensive to buy and are not always convenient to use. Mycotoxin analysis via a simple smartphone app is a new option for LFD readers. The RIDA®SMART app was developed by R-Biopharm. We tested the app and compared it with common LFD readers:

	RIDA®SMART app	Common LFD reader
Portability	Compact size; easy to carry at any time	Depending on its size and weight, the use of a portable device can be limited
Handling	The test strip is scanned with a smartphone; simple operation via the touchscreen	The test strip is inserted into the reader
Speed	Results available within 5 minutes	Depending on the model
Result quality	Aflatoxin concentration quantified from about 4ppm to 100ppm	Depending on the model
Result handling	Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection; results can be sent to an email recipient, a printer or a LIMS	Some models have a USB port or a Bluetooth connection
Cost	No purchase cost beyond the smartphone. Only the annual software maintenance cost.	Usually the initial cost is high for the device and accessories

PacificLAB is the exclusive distributor of R-Biopharm in Vietnam. For any details about the product or the process, please contact us for fuller advice on this application.

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