UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel, non-destructive method for the detection of aflatoxin/mycotoxin type and concentration in agricultural food products.
BACKGROUND:
Aflatoxins are hazardous compounds produced by specific fungi that contaminate agricultural products. Humans may consume aflatoxins from agricultural products directly, or through animal products derived from animals fed with crops containing aflatoxins. Once introduced to the body, these toxins lead to various health problems, including immunosuppression, growth retardation in children, and liver cancer. Therefore, high-sensitivity detection of aflatoxins is crucial in order to prevent ingestion. However, aflatoxins and fungi that produce them may not be visible in contaminated food, making them difficult to identify. Current detection methods that offer high-sensitivity, such as high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, are time-consuming, destructive, and require expert technicians; alternative spectroscopic methods have low detection sensitivity. Terahertz wave scanners are non-destructive and easy to use, yet have been plagued by low-sensitivity. The development of a high-sensitivity agricultural product detection platform using terahertz waves would be an exceptional regulatory tool for aflatoxins.
INNOVATION:
UCLA researchers have established a high-throughput, non-contact, non-invasive, high-sensitivity method for the detection of aflatoxins/mycotoxins in agricultural food products. The terahertz imaging scanner system is non-destructive and has increased detection sensitivity levels over current systems. Recognition of aflatoxins is independent of the size, shape, and geometry of the monitored samples, making the system is applicable to all types agricultural goods. Further, detection occurs in real-time to provide increased image acquisition rate compared to other strategies. This imaging system is compact for utilization in field settings, which is advantageous for agricultural companies.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
• Detection of aflatoxin/mycotoxin type and concentration in agricultural food products
ADVANTAGES:
• Enhanced terahertz radiation power and detection sensitivity levels
• Non-destructive, high-throughput
• Decreased signal-to-noise ratio
• Increased image acquisition rate, and detection in real-time
• Compact and light-weight imaging system for applications in field settings
• Detection is independent of the size, shape, and geometry of samples
• Does not require a skilled user to operate
DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:
The terahertz scanner system and aflatoxin detection algorithm has been developed and is currently being optimized. It will be available for field tests following optimization.