Recent Advances in Electrochemical Detection Techniques for Zearalenone

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, commonly found in maize, wheat, and other cereals, as well as their derived products. It presents substantial health risks to human and animal health by disrupting the endocrine system. Many factors have intensified ZEN contamination, which include global climate change, inadequate storage and processing practices, and the increasing complexity of the food supply chain, thus exacerbating food safety concerns. In response, various countries have set regulatory limits for ZEN level in foods. Accordingly, electrochemical sensor-based detection methods have gained widespread application in ZEN detection for their sensitivity, fast, and portability. This review summarizes the up-to-date developments in this field, including the surface modified nanomaterials, electrochemical biosensors, electrochemiluminescence sensors, and molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors. Additionally, the challenges and future prospects of electrochemical sensors in ZEN detection are analyzed, offering insights to advance the development of efficient and cost-effective detection technologies.