Application of Raman Technique in the Detection of Aflatoxins

Aflatoxin is one of the most important topics of research in food contamination . Aflatoxin, a member of the Mycotoxin family, is a secondary metabolite of molds such as Aspergillus Flavus and Aspergillus Parasiticus . These fungi also pollute the crops during production and storage . In the case of the products’ contamination with spores in the desired temperature and humidity conditions, the hogs grow, fungus is produced, and poison is created . One of the most deadly toxins is Aflatoxin , which is known as Mycotoxin due to its considerable abundance in the nature, toxicity, and carcinogenicity . Several types of Aflatoxin, i.e., G1, G2, B2, B1 were identified, among which B1 Aflatoxins (AFB1) are most important . AFB1 is the most toxic compound in this group. The highest concentration of AFB1 is observed in food and animal feed . The concentration range of AFB1 varies in different food products; for example, in pistachios. According to the European Union, the acceptable AFB1 is 12 ppb (Parts per billion), but this amount may vary in different countries  from 2 to 20 ppb . Among the 400 known Mycotoxins, AFB1 is considered as the most dangerous one to human health due to its severe effects of toxicity, carcinogenicity, fetal defects, and mutagenesis. Among the most commonly used to detect this toxin high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and immunohistochemistry columns are widely used for detection of Aflatoxin and other agricultural products in research and commercial areas .