Rapid Aflatoxin Detection in Black Tea Using Fe₃O₄ Magnetic Nanoparticle

Tea is a widely consumed non-alcoholic beverage that can be contaminated with mycotoxins, including aflatoxins (AFs), which pose a significant health risk. In this study, a fast and accurate extraction method for the detection of AFs in black tea was developed and optimized. The method utilized Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to enhance the extraction efficiency. Various parameters, such as the type and amount of extraction solvents, dilution by water, MNP amount, and extraction model, were investigated to optimize the method. The proposed method demonstrated satisfactory analytical performance, with acceptable recoveries more than 70% and low LODs for all AFs were achieved. The developed nano extraction method was compared to immunoaffinity column chromatography (IAC) cleanup and showed comparable results. The advantages of the proposed method include high speed, low cost, and ease of use. Overall, the method offers a reliable and efficient option for the repetitive analysis of AFs in tea samples.