Quartz Crystal Microbalance Detection of Aflatoxin B1 by Self-Assembled Monolayer Technique

Background: New biosensor techniques allowing detection of low concentrated substances show a great variety nowadays. The construction of a system with modified quartz as a part of a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) techniques helps the detection and confirmation of low toxin concentrations in a sample. Objective: The study aims to allow the application of methods for preparation and modification of the gold surface of piezoelectric crystal for detection of aflatoxin B1(AFB1) in the concentration range 0.2 - 2.0 µg/L by QCM technique (quartz - crystal microbalance). Methods: The procedure for the preparation of quartz crystal sensors for experimental purposes was performed. The quartz surface was activated and covered with self-assembled monolayer to immobilize antibody (rabbit anti-aflatoxin B1) for the detection of antigen - antibody reaction. Results: The G” corresponds to viscous properties of the material, during applied deformation of the material in the presence of different concentrations, which revealed in the sensitivity of the used resonator. Conclusion: Detection of toxic pollutants may be achieved via QCM methods, ultrasound resonator and piezoelectric quartz techniques for measurement. These techniques allow detection of significantly low concentrations of toxic pollutants, in particular, AFB1, compared to analysis with direct and indirect ELISA immunoassays.