Microfluidic chips with integrated photonics for luminescent detection of food mycotoxins

Food contamination by mycotoxins, particularly Fumonisin B1 (FB1), represents a severe threat to global health and the agricultural economy due to their toxicity and stability. Traditional analytical methods, such as LC-MS and standard ELISA, are accurate but limited by long processing times, high costs, and a lack of portability. To address these limitations, this thesis presents the development and validation of an automated, portable microfluidic "lab-on-a-chip" platform for the rapid, on-site detection of FB1 (as a model mycotoxin). The system integrates a chaotic labyrinthine microfluidic mixing chip and an opaque white detection chip with a competitive immunoassay based on functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. The detection principle relies on bioluminescence, utilizing a highly sensitive, synthetically engineered mimopeptide-NanoLuc® conjugate that directly competes with the free mycotoxin for the antibody binding sites. Experimental results, including pump calibrations and a 4-parameter logistic (4PL) calibration curve, confirm the platform’s high sensitivity and structural consistency. Finally, the prototype was tested on real apple juice samples, providing key insights into instrumental troubleshooting, hydrodynamic limits, and system optimization for widespread food safety monitoring.