Assay formats and target recognition strategies in lateral flow assays for the detection of mycotoxins

Lateral flow assays for mycotoxins are important analytical tools because of the toxicity of mycotoxins. As mycotoxins can occur in beverages, food, and feed, there are many routes of exposure that lead to their chronic toxicity. Therefore, a monitoring method is needed that offers rapidity, reliability, specificity, and easy on-site operation. Lateral flow assays can offer quick, simple, accurate, and convenient testing. That is why, they are the perfect tool to meet this need. In recent years, many research papers have been published discussing lateral flow assays for mycotoxins. This literature review analyses the published literature of the last ten years with respect to different strategies for the detection of mycotoxins with a focus on assay formats and test strip set-up. Novel formats based on aptamers as recognition elements instead of the most common antibodies are presented. Technological differences are highlighted, and limitations of the used methods are discussed. • Review of lateral flow assays for mycotoxin detection. • Focus on different detection strategies and assay set-up. • Summary of design-strategies for ‘turn-on’ lateral flow assays and multiplexing. • Highlight on aptamer-based lateral flow assays. • Guidance on how to achieve low limits of detection.