Head space sensor array for the detection of aflatoxin M1 in raw ewe's milk

A novel screening methodology was developed for simple and rapid detection of aflatoxin M1 contamination in raw ewe’s milk samples without the need for sample pre-treatment. The methodology was based on the use of a commercial head space sensor array system constituted by 12 Metal Oxide Semiconductor sensors, 10 Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field–Effect Transistor sensors, and a pattern recognition software. Twenty-four raw milk samples collected from two different groups of ewes fed with a formulated feed containing increasing amounts of aflatoxin B1, and six non-contaminated ewe milk samples were analysed. The results obtained by using the head space sensor array, processed by statistical methods, made it possible to group the samples according to the presence or the absence of aflatoxin M1. Sample classification was in complete agreement with the aflatoxin M1 content measured by an ELISA procedure. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of detection of aflatoxin M1 in ewe’s milk by a multisensor array.