Mycotoxin multiplex assays: innovation in food safety

Food contamination remains one of the greatest challenges in the food industry—especially when it comes to mycotoxins. These toxic metabolic products produced by fungi can be found in fruits, vegetables, and grains, posing significant health risks. To address this issue, SAFIA Technologies GmbH, in collaboration with the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), has launched a groundbreaking research project.

As part of the ProFIT program of the State of Berlin, managed by the Investment Bank Berlin (IBB), SAFIA is developing high-precision detection methods for mycotoxins. Funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2021-2027, this project enables an innovative approach to food analysis and safety.

New Approaches in Mycotoxin Detection

One of the major challenges in mycotoxin detection is the efficient and reliable identification of multiple toxins. SAFIA addresses this by utilizing Multiplex Assays, which use specially developed antibodies to detect multiple toxins simultaneously. This not only saves time and costs but also enhances the accuracy of the analysis.

The project focuses on three key groups of mycotoxins:

• Patulin

  – A toxin commonly found in pome fruits such as apples. Due to its chemical instability, it is particularly challenging to detect.

• Ergot Alkaloids

  – Highly regulated substances occurring in grains, with increasingly strict legal limits.

• Alternaria Toxins

  – Not yet officially regulated but increasingly monitored by scientists, as they are present in a wide range of foods.

Technological Advancements Through Multiplex Assays

The goal of this project is to develop innovative detection methods for emerging mycotoxins using SAFIA’s advanced technology. The research focuses on four key areas:

🔬 Antibody Development: In this technology transfer project, high-affinity monoclonal antibodies are specifically designed to target relevant mycotoxins. These antibodies enable highly specific detection, even at extremely low toxin concentrations. The expertise of SAFIA and BAM ensures the development of antibodies with exceptional sensitivity and stability.

🧪 Multiplex Assays: Using patented technology, these assays allow for the simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins in various food matrices—including fruit juices and grains. This approach significantly improves efficiency, increases sample throughput, and reduces both labor and costs.

📏 QC Materials: A crucial aspect of the project is the production of naturally contaminated materials with precisely defined toxin concentrations. These materials serve as comparison standards for the validation and quality assurance of SAFIA’s assays, ensuring that analytical results remain reproducible and reliable.

⚙️ Expansion of Analytical Capabilities: The modular design of the assay technology allows future tests to be easily adapted to new regulatory requirements and market demands. This ensures long-term applicability and scalability of the detection methods.

This research and development project plays a pivotal role in advancing residue analysis in the food industry. It enhances regional and European competitiveness while contributing to the sustainable improvement of food safety. The newly developed analytical solutions are designed to be rapid, reliable, and practical, making them easy to integrate into existing quality assurance systems.