Fluorescent strip sensor for rapid determination of toxinsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed information of the whole experimental procedure, the characterization of QD–aptamer conjugation and factors. See DOI: 10.1039/c0cc04032k

Here, we report a simple fluorescent strip sensor based on aptamer–quantum dots technology that can meet toxin monitoring demands using ochratoxin A (OTA) as a model toxin. The limit of the detection (LOD) for the fluorescent strip was 1.9 ng mL−1, while the time needed for the detection is only 10 min; this conforms to the standards of World Health Organization (WHO) or better. Overall functional parameters are also better than the analogous characteristics of gold nanoparticle strips.High selectivity was maintained as well, making them suitable for the samples with complex solution composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]