Development of Optical Nanofibers for Detection of Aflatoxin

In a collaborative effort, members of Centre for Healthcare Science and technology and Department of Physics have developed uniform thin nanowires made up of GeO₂ for ultra sensitive detection of food toxins.The public health and developmental problem of aflatoxin contamination is a cross-cutting is an important societal issue and is present in a range of food stuffs like cereals, grains and nuts. Aflatoxins themselves are highly carcinogenic, toxic, and also cause immune-system suppression, retarded growth, liver failure, and death in both humans and animals. The nanosensors can measure the toxin at very minute levels and hence be very helpful in controlling the adverse effects of these contaminants.