Rapid detection of mycotoxins using SERS and machine learning
A cutting-edge solution leveraging SERS and machine learning for rapid, sensitive detection and quantification of mycotoxins, even in complex backgrounds. This portable method offers sub picogram sensitivity and field deployability, ideal for food safety applications.
Overview
This innovative solution combines Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) with advanced machine learning to rapidly detect and quantify mycotoxins. Mycotoxins pose significant health risks in food products, and their detection is crucial for food safety. The method leverages the unique SERS spectral fingerprints of different mycotoxins, allowing for precise classification and concentration quantification. The SERS technique is notably sensitive, achieving sub picogram levels of detection, and can operate effectively in complex sample backgrounds. Furthermore, the portability of the SERS technology facilitates field deployment, enhancing its practicality in real-world applications.
Technical specifications
- SERS Methodology: Utilizes highly sensitive and reproducible silver nanorod substrates developed over 15 years of research.
- Machine Learning Integration: Employs advanced algorithms to classify and quantify mycotoxins with greater than 99.5% accuracy.
- Detection Capability: Demonstrated sub picogram limit of detection for various aflatoxins.
- Field Deployability: The portable nature of the SERS system allows for use in diverse settings, including on-site food safety inspections.
- Versatility: Successfully applied to detect mycotoxins, endotoxins, and viruses in previous studies.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory environment. Future development will focus on standardizing SERS spectra for pure mycotoxins and integrating the machine learning model for real-world applications.
About University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university serving a large student body across multiple campuses, known for applied scholarship and community partnership. Industry partners access core facilities and pilot‑scale capabilities—including the Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center—for prototyping, scale‑up, and product validation. A downtown Innovation District and a statewide Cooperative Extension network link campus expertise to companies across Georgia, while proximity to Atlanta’s corporate and logistics hubs lowers barriers to engagement. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP services, licensing, startup support, and incubator space to accelerate commercialization.
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