*4.3. AflA-Vt Detection*

Afla-V strip tests utilize the proven sensitivity and selectivity of VICAM monoclonal antibodies to accurately detect and measure aflatoxins B1 at levels of 2 to 100 ppb. These samples were subjected to aflatoxin extraction and quantification using the VICAM fluorometry method. Briefly, representative samples (100 g) of shelled peanuts were added with 10 g of NaCl and 200 mL of methanol/water (80:20 *v*/*v*), homogenized using a Waring blender at high speed for 1 min and filtered through Whatman paper. Five ml of the filtrate was diluted with 20 mL HPLC water then re-filtered. Ten milliliter filtrate was purified with VICAM immunoaffinity columns (VICAM Aflatest, MA, USA) containing aflatoxin-specific (B1) monoclonal antibodies and washed with 10 mL HPLC water before the aflatoxin was eluted with 1 mL methanol. The eluted fraction was diluted twice with HPLC water and measured with the VICAM fluorometer (VICAM Series 4EX Fluorometer). All procedures were done according to the manufacturer's instructions [27].
