# Advancements in aptasensors development for the detection of zearalenone

## TL;DR

This paper reviews recent progress in using aptasensors to detect zearalenone, a harmful mycotoxin in food, to improve food safety and detection methods.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in ZEN-specific aptasensors, highlighting their detection mechanisms and performance.

## Key findings

- Aptasensors offer rapid, sensitive detection of zearalenone in food products.
- Optical and electrochemical aptasensors are prominent methods for ZEN detection.
- Emerging technologies like paper microfluidic and label-free chemiluminescence aptasensors show promise for field applications.

## Abstract

Zearalenone (ZEN), an estrogenic mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, is a frequent contaminant in cereals and other agricultural commodities. Its presence poses substantial economic losses, threatens food safety, and presents significant risks to human health, making it a growing concern worldwide. Consequently, the development of rapid, sensitive, and reliable methods for ZEN detection is of critical importance. In recent years, aptasensors technologies have emerged as promising tools for mycotoxin monitoring. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in ZEN-specific aptasensors, with a focus on detection mechanisms, analytical performance, and comparative advantages and limitations of various platforms. By providing an up-to-date overview of optical, electrochemical, and other emerging sensing strategies, this work aims to support future developments in mycotoxin prevention and detection, thereby contributing to enhanced food safety assurance.

Infographic illustrates different aptasensor technologies for ZEN detection, including optical, electrochemical, portable paper microfluidic, and label-free chemiluminescence aptasensors, with diagrams demonstrating sample processing, detection methods, and output interpretations.