Nanomaterial-based sensors as potential remedy for detection of biotoxins

Abstract Food safety concerns have been haunting the human population since ancient times. There have been instances when the food safety was compromised which lead to deteriorating effects on human health and other living creatures. Globally the annual incidence of food-borne illness has been estimated to affect 5–10% of the world population in the developed countries; however its number is way higher in developing countries. Biotoxins are one of the prevailing food contaminants. They are lethal to humans and vary in severity based on their interaction to target sites. The objective of this review is to provide a broad overview of the origin and toxicity of the biotoxins. In addition this review highlights the utilization of nanosensors for biotoxin detection. This review provides details of various nanomaterials that are utilized in designing of these nanosensors and their possible interaction with biotoxins during detection.