Capillary electrophoretic method for the simultaneous determination of tetracycline residues in fish samples

One-Pot facile synthesis of fluorescent copper nanoclusters for highly selective and sensitive detection of tetracycline

Due to the excellent characteristics, fluorescent copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) have aroused great interest in recent years. Herein, the simple prepared, environmentally friendly fluorescent Cu NCs were synthesized by using trypsin as the stabilizer and applied for the determination of tetracycline. Uniformly dispersed Try-Cu NCs were obtained with average size of 3.5 ± 0.3 nm and some excellent merits of good water solubility, UV light stability and salt stability. Emission peaks around 460.0 nm were visibly quenched by tetracycline based on static quenching mechanism and inner filter effect (IFE). Two excellent linear relationships were observed between ln(F0/F) and tetracycline concentrations in the range of 1-100 μM and 100-300 μM with limit of detection (LOD) of 0.084 μM. Meanwhile, this nanoprobe exhibited an apparent selectivity for tetracycline detection. Moreover, Try-Cu NCs were successfully employed to determine tetracycline in serum and milk samples after facile pretreatment with satisfactory recovery rates and credible standard deviation. The results suggested that this as-prepared Try-Cu NCs had excellent application prospects in the future.

Copper nanoclusters stabilized by D-penicillamine for ultrasensitive and visual detection of oxytetracycline

Copper nanoclusters (DPA@CuNCs) with red fluorescence were successfully synthesized by a one-step method based on D-penicillamine (DPA), which acted not only as a reducing agent but also as a stabilizer. The products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, particle-size analysis, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, and fluorescence spectrometry. When the excitation wavelength was 280 nm, DPA@CuNCs emitted bright red fluorescence at 640 nm with a fluorescence quantum yield of 5.8 %. Due to the inner filter effect, oxytetracycline (OTC) effectively quenched the fluorescence of DPA@CuNCs, and then DPA@CuNCs were applied to the trace detection of OTC. The method showed a good linear range for OTC from 5 to 60 μmol/L, with a detection limit of 0.026 μmol/L and a correlation coefficient R² of 0.9983. Moreover, a paper-based sensor for the visual detection of OTC has been developed, which can conveniently and rapidly distinguish the concentration ranges of OTC through the color changes of the test papers.

A luminescent Eu3+-functionalized MOF for sensitive and rapid detection of tetracycline antibiotics in swine wastewater and pig kidney

Tetracyclines (TCs), a type of antibiotics, are widely used in human therapy and animal husbandry. Public concerns about tetracyclines residues have been raised due to their negative impact on the environment and food, causing bacterias drug resistance and human health concerns. In this work, a luminescent europium MOF (EuUCBA) is constructed via post-synthetic attachment of Eu³⁺ into a UiO-66 type MOF. The luminescent of EuUCBA exhibits high stability in aqueous media in the pH range of 4-11. Among 36 common veterinary drugs, the synthesized probe is highly selective and sensitive to six tetracyclines with low detection limits of 0.118 μM, 0.228 μM, 0.102 μM, 0.138 μM, 0.206 μM, and 0.078 μM for oxytetracycline (OTC), chlortetracycline (CTC), methylenetetracycline (MTC), minocycline (MOC), tetracycline (TC), and doxycycline (DOXY), respectively. Furthermore, the probe shows good anti-interference ability and fast response. Finally, EuUCBA was successfully to detect DOXY in swine wastewater and pig kidney with good recoveries. This work provides an excellent fluorescent sensor for highly selective and rapid detection of TCs residues in wastewater and complex biological samples.

Highly Sensitive Detection of Trace Tetracycline in Water Using a Metal-Organic Framework-Enabled Sensor

Due to the abuse application of antibiotics in the recent decades, a high level of antibiotics has been let out and remains in our environment. Electrochemical sensing is a useful method to sensitively detect antibiotics, and the key factor for a successful electrochemical sensor is the active electrode materials. In this study, a sensitive electrochemical sensing platform based on a metal-organic framework (MOF) of MIL-53 (Fe) was facilely fabricated. It shows highly selective and sensitive detection performance for trace tetracycline. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was applied to analyze the detection of tetracycline. The linear range of tetracycline detection was 0.0643 μmol/L-1.53 μmol/L, and the limit of detection (LOD) is 0.0260 μmol/L. Furthermore, the MOF-enabled sensor can be effectively used in actual water bodies. The results indicate that the electrochemical sensor is a high potential sensing platform for tetracycline.

Ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on europium-grafted ZnO quantum dots for visual and colorimetric detection of tetracycline

An europium functionalized ZnO quantum dots (QDs) ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe is designed to establish a real time, on-site visual, and highly sensitive probe method for tetracycline (TC). The yellow-emitting ZnO QDs serves as the internal reference, while the Eu³⁺ chelated on the surface of ZnO QDs is used as the signal reporting unit. This nanoprobe exhibits rapid response, excellent selectivity, and high sensitivity with a detection limit of 4 nM in detecting the levels of TC. In addition, fluorescence of the nanoprobe can change from yellow to red as the concentration of TC increases. Thus, naked eye detection of TC was realized using the test paper processed by nanoprobe, followed by RGB value analysis function on the mobile phone APP.

Development of an Electrochemical Sensor Based on Nanocomposite of Fe3O4@SiO2 and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Determination of Tetracycline in Real Samples

In this work, an electrochemical sensor (GCE/MWCNT/Fe3O4@SiO2) based on a composite of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and an Fe3O4@SiO2 (MMN) nanocomposite on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was developed for the detection of tetracycline (TC). The composite formed promoted an increased electrochemical signal and the stability of the sensor, combining its individual characteristics such as high electrical conductivity and large surface area. The composite material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The adsorptive stripping differential pulse voltammetry (AdSDPV) promoted better performance for the electrochemical sensor and greater sensitivity for TC detection. Under optimized conditions, the currents increased linearly with TC concentrations from 4.0 to 36 µmol L−1 (0.997) and from 40 to 64 µmol L−1 (0.994) with detection and quantification limits of 1.67 µmol L−1 and 4.0 µmol L−1, respectively. The sensor was applied in the analysis of milk and river water samples, obtaining recovery values ranging from 91–117%.

A review of the toxicity in fish exposed to antibiotics

Antibiotics are widely used in the treatment of human and veterinary diseases and are being used worldwide in the agriculture industry to promote livestock growth. However, a variety of antibiotics that are found in aquatic environments are toxic to aquatic organisms. Antibiotics are not completely removed by wastewater treatment plants and are therefore released into aquatic environments, which raises concern about the destruction of the ecosystem owing to their non-target effects. Since antibiotics are designed to be persistent and work steadily in the body, their chronic toxicity effects have been studied in aquatic microorganisms. However, research on the toxicity of antibiotics in fish at the top of the aquatic food chain is relatively poor. This paper summarizes the current understanding of the reported toxicity studies with antibiotics in fish, including zebrafish, to date. Four antibiotic types; quinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and macrolides, which are thought to be genetically toxic to fish have been reported to bioaccumulate in fish tissues, as well as in aquatic environments such as rivers and surface water. The adverse effects of these antibiotics are known to cause damage to developmental, cardiovascular, and metabolic systems, as well as in altering anti-oxidant and immune responses, in fish. Therefore, there are serious concerns about the toxicity of antibiotics in fish and further research and strategies are needed to prevent them in different regions of the world.

Development of a capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry method for the analysis of metformin and its transformation product guanylurea in biota

A method with capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry was optimized to determine the uptake of metformin and its metabolite guanylurea by zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) exposed under laboratory conditions. Metformin was extracted from fish tissues by sonication in methanol, resulting in an absolute recovery of almost 90%. For the extraction of guanylurea from brown trout, solid-phase extraction was implemented with a recovery of 84%. The use of a mixture of methanol and glacial acetic acid as a non-aqueous background electrolyte was vital to achieve robust analysis using a bare fused-silica capillary with an applied voltage of +30 kV. Problems with adsorption associated with an aqueous background electrolyte were eliminated using a non-aqueous background electrolyte made of methanol/acetic acid (97:3) with 25 mM ammonium acetate (for zebrafish embryos) or 100 mM ammonium acetate (for brown trouts), depending on the sample complexity and matrix influences. High resolution and high separation selectivity from matrix components were achieved by optimization of the ammonium acetate concentration in the background electrolyte. An extensive evaluation of matrix effects was conducted with regard to the complex matrices present in the fish samples. They required adapting the background electrolyte to higher concentrations. Applying this method to extracts of zebrafish embryos and brown trout tissue samples, limits of detection for both metformin and guanylurea in zebrafish embryos (12.2 μg/l and 15 μg/l) and brown trout tissues (15 ng/g and 34 ng/g) were in the low μg/l or ng/g range. Finally, metformin and guanylurea could be both quantified for the first time in biota samples from exposure experiments.

Machine learning assisted dual-channel carbon quantum dots-based fluorescence sensor array for detection of tetracyclines

The detection and differentiation of tetracyclines (TCs) has received increasing attention due to the severe threat they pose to human health and the ecological balance. A dual-channel fluorescence sensor array based on two carbon quantum dots (CDs) was fabricated to distinguish between four TCs, including tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC), doxycycline (DOX), and metacycline (MTC). A distinct fluorescence variation pattern (I/I₀) was produced when CDs interacted with the four TCs. This pattern was analyzed by LDA and SVM. This was the first time that SVM was used for data processing of fluorescence sensor arrays. LDA and SVM showed that the array has the capacity for parallel and accurate determination of TCs at concentrations between 1.0 μM and 150 μM. In addition, the interference experiment using metal ions and antibiotics as possible coexisting interference substances proves that the sensor array has excellent selectivity and anti-interference ability. The array was also used for the accurate detection and identification of TCs in binary mixtures, and furthermore, the four TCs were successfully identified in river water and milk samples. Besides, the sensor array successfully identified the four TCs in 72 unknown samples with a 100% accuracy. The results proved that SVM can achieve the same accurate classification and prediction as LDA, and considering its additional advantages, it can be used as an optional supplementary method for data processing, thereby expanding the data processing field.

Hysterical tetracycline in intensive poultry farms accountable for substantial gene resistance, health and ecological risk in Egypt- manure and fish

Although the poultry production sector plays a key role in sustaining the majority of animal protein demand in Egypt, the deleterious effects of widespread antibiotic resistance on health and environment are currently not well recognized. Litter and dropping samples from broiler and layer poultry farms as well as, tilapia samples from the Nile River and aquaculture farms were collected from Upper Egypt. Samples were extracted and examined for tetracycline residues [tetracycline (TC), chlortetracycline (CTC), oxytetracycline (OTC) and doxycycline (DC)] using HPLC. In addition, tetracycline resistance genes [tet (M), tet (W), tet (Q) and tet (G)] were screened from pooled intestinal contents collected from twelve broiler farms in Upper Egypt. The antibiotic resistance genes results revealed that tet (W) was confirmed to be expressed in all intestinal samples. In contrast, tet (Q) and tet (M) were detected only in 42% and 17% of the samples, respectively. CTC and OTC were the antimicrobial compounds with the highest concentrations in poultry litter and droppings, with concentrations of 6.05 and 2.47 μg g^-1 (CTC) and 5.9 and 1.33 μg g^-1 (OTC), respectively. However, the concentrations of DC were significantly higher than those of the other compounds in both aquaculture and Nile River tilapia. The tetracycline residue levels in aquaculture tilapia were significantly higher than those in Nile River tilapia. The hazard quotients (HQs) exceeded 1 for OTC, CTC and DC, which highlights the great risk of using broiler litter to fertilize agricultural land. Moreover, the presence of DC and CTC indicates that consumption of aquaculture tilapia poses a considerable health risk. Therefore, poultry litter or droppings containing tetracycline residues and tet resistance determinants used for aquaculture or as farmland fertilizers could be major sources of antibiotic resistance in fish, humans and environment.

A system composed of vanadium(IV) disulfide quantum dots and molybdenum(IV) disulfide nanosheets for use in an aptamer-based fluorometric tetracycline assay

A system composed of vanadium(IV) disulfide quantum dots (VS₂ QDs) and molybdenum(IV) disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets for use in an aptamer-based fluorometric tetracycline assay was developed. The tetracycline (TET) aptamer was first immobilzed on the VS₂ QDs with a typical size of 3 nm. The blue fluorescence of the VS₂ QDs (labeled with aptamer) with emission maxima at 448 nm (under excitation at 360 nm) was subsequently quenched by MoS₂ nanosheets. If TET is recognized by the aptamer, the VS₂ QDs drift away from the basal plane of the MoS₂ nanosheets. This generated "turn-on" fluorescence of the VS₂ QDs. A VS₂ QD/MoS₂ nanosheet-based fluorometric TET aptasensor was thus constructed. Selective and sensitive TET bioanalysis was realized in a linear range of 1 to 250 ng mL^-1. The detection limit was 0.06 ng mL^-1. Its applicability of determination of TET in milk samples has been demonstrated. Graphical abstractSchematic representation of the aptamer-based fluorometric tetracycline assay.

Using target-specific aptamers to enhance the peroxidase-like activity of gold nanoclusters for colorimetric detection of tetracycline antibiotics

Tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) are one kind of broad spectrum bacteriostatic agents. However, excessive use of TCs will have a threat to the environment and human health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a simple method for direct detection of TCs. Based on intrinsic peroxidase-like activity of gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), we used TC-specific aptamers (Apt) to improve the catalytic activity of AuNCs toward the peroxidase substrate 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation by H₂O₂, and established a colorimetric sensing platform for TCs. The catalytic enhancement by Apt allows for sensitive colorimetric detection of TCs, and Apt as molecular recognition elements can specifically combine with TCs leading to high selectivity. This developed sensing platform can quantitatively detect TCs in the concentration range of 1-16 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 46 nM. Interestingly, the naked-eye detection capability of this method is estimated to be 0.5 μM. Finally, the detection of TCs in real samples like drugs and milk was validated.

Design of a liquid crystal-based aptasensing platform for ultrasensitive detection of tetracycline

We develop a novel label-free liquid crystal (LC) aptasensor based on intrinsic properties of nematic LCs for ultra-sensitive detection of tetracycline. The aptasensor is assembled by immobilizing aptamers onto the glass slide modified with both homeotropic alignment and silane coupling agents. Designed aptasensor makes use of the target-induced aptamer conformational switching and disruption of the orientation of LCs which lead to an obvious change of the optical appearance from a dark to a bright response. We describe the optimized condition for maintaining the homeotropic orientation of LCs, which are suitable for the tetracycline detection. The average gray-scale intensities of polarizing optical microscopy images were calculated to quantitatively detect tetracycline concentrations. The aptasensor works especially at trace level of tetracycline as low as 0.5 pM. Moreover, the LC aptasensor was successfully used to detect tetracycline in the real milk sample. According to the results, the proposed LC aptasensor for tetracycline detection is simple, ultra-sensitive, label free and ease of preparation.

A Ratiometric Fluorescent Nano-Probe for Rapid and Specific Detection of Tetracycline Residues Based on a Dye-Doped Functionalized Nanoscaled Metal-Organic Framework

Tetracycline (TC) residues are harmful to the environment and human body, so it is necessary to develop a highly sensitive probe for rapid detection of tetracycline residues. In the present paper, a novel dye-doped porous metal–organic framework (UiO-66)-based multi-color fluorescent nano-probe was designed for sensitive ratiometric detection of tetracycline (TC). In this probe, dye-molecules doped UiO-66 was used as a fluorescent internal standard, and the externally grafted lanthanide Eu³⁺ complex was used as response signals. The fluorescence of the Eu³⁺ complex was selectively enhanced with increasing concentrations of TC, which was accompanied by a visual blue-to-red color switch. The nano-probe had a linear response between 0.1 and 6 μM with a lowest detection limit of 17.9 nM, which was much lower than the maximum residue limits set by the United States Food and Drug Administration (676 nM) and the European Union (225 nM). The applicability of this method in the analysis of actual samples was evaluated by the determination of TC in honey and milk samples, indicating satisfactory recovery and good reproducibility. In addition, a cost-effective paper-based probe for rapid and visual detection of TC was developed by fixing the nano-probe on filter papers. With the help of a smartphone camera to capture the fluorescence color, and chromaticity analysis software, the calculation and analysis of red (R) and blue (B) values can be realized, which has the potential for real-time visual detection of TC.

Interaction of tetracycline with l-cysteine functionalized CdS quantum dots - Fundamentals and sensing application

The present paper reports l-cysteine functionalized CdS quantum dots (QDs) as a simple and highly selective turn-off fluorescence sensor for the determination of tetracycline (TET). The unauthorized use of TET may pose serious health hazards in human beings and hence the detection and determination has become very essential. In this regard, we have developed a sensor that enable the quantification of TET in the range 6.00 × 10^-4 M to 1.50 × 10^-5 M with a limit of detection 7.78 × 10^-6 M, under optimized conditions. Steady state and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopic studies were used for investigating the mechanism of quenching and was found to be a combination of static and dynamic processes. The analytical application of the proposed sensor was investigated in pharmaceutical formulation.

A target analyte induced fluorescence band shift of piperazine modified carbon quantum dots: a specific visual detection method for oxytetracycline

A visual and specific assay of oxytetracycline is realized by inducing a fluorescence band shift of piperazine modified carbon quantum dots.

Magnetite-Supported Gold Nanostars for the Uptake and SERS Detection of Tetracycline

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) decorated with gold nanostars (AuNSs) have been prepared by using a seed growth method without the addition of surfactants or colloidal stabilizers. The hybrid nanomaterials were investigated as adsorbents for the uptake of tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solutions and subsequent detection using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Several parameters were investigated in order to optimize the performance of these hybrid platforms on the uptake and SERS detection of TC, including variable pH values and the effect of contact time on the removal of TC. The spatial distribution of TC and AuNS on the hybrid composites was accomplished by coupling SERS analysis with Raman imaging studies, allowing also for the determination of the detection limit for TC when dissolved in ultrapure water (10 nM) and in more complex aqueous matrices (1 μM). Attempts were also made to investigate the adsorption modes of the TC molecules at the surface of the metal NPs by taking into account the enhancement of the Raman bands in these different matrices.

A label-free aptasensor for the detection of tetracycline based on the luminescence of SYBR Green I

A novel fluorescent method based on tetracycline-binding aptamers and the luminescence of SYBR Green I (SGI) was established for the sensitive and selective detection of tetracycline. Under natural conditions, the aptamers of tetracycline show the G-quadruplex spatial structures while SGI is nearly nonfluorescent in aqueous solution. After mixture with the G-quadruplex structured aptamers, SGI can recognize and intercalate into the aptamers, resulting in a strong fluorescence emission. When the target tetracycline was added into the solution, the specific recognition and high-affinity binding of aptamers with tetracycline will induce the conformational changes of aptamers from G-quadruplex structures to hairpin structures. Thereafter, SGI will be released from the aptamer molecules, leading to the fluorescence decline. The quantitative detection of tetracycline can be achieved by measuring the fluorescence change of the system. Under the optimum conditions, the linear range of tetracycline in the milk was from 5 to 25 μg/mL, and the detection limit was as low as 0.10 μg/mL. The recoveries of the spiked milk samples were in the range of 98.98%-104.67% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.16%-0.67%, and the results were in agreement with those from HPLC. Therefore, the biosensor based on the specific recognition of aptamers and the fluorescence properties of SGI can detect the tetracycline in milk accurately, rapidly and specifically.

Carbon dots derived from tobacco for visually distinguishing and detecting three kinds of tetracyclines

Although a number of methods to perform assays of tetracyclines using fluorescent probes have been reported, approaches for discriminating and detecting tetracyclines are few. Herein, bright-blue fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) with a quantum yield (QY) of up to ∼27.9% were hydrothermally synthesized using tobacco as the carbon source. Importantly, the as-prepared carbon dots were employed as a fluorescent probe, enabling selective differentiation of three tetracyclines using a test strip and the related quantitative detection. Towards the mechanism, three kinds of tetracyclines showed different interactions with the CDs, leading to variations in their fluorescence emissions. To be specific, the fluorescence of CDs was quenched by tetracycline (TC) without a fluorescence shift (Em = 440 nm), which was caused by an inner filter effect rather than a change in the energy band gap. Moreover, the introduction of chlorotetracycline (CTC) resulted in a blue shift (Em = 415 nm) of the fluorescence of the CD; this phenomenon was induced by the enlarged energy band gap. The CDs also responded to oxytetracycline (OTC), and their corresponding fluorescence experienced a red shift (Em = 500 nm) due to the narrowed band gap. Consequently, a visual detection strategy for three tetracyclines has been proposed based on the quantitative evaluation of TC, OTC, and CTC concentrations in broad range from 6 × 10-6 to 4 × 10-9 M, 2 × 10-6 to 2 × 10-8 M, and 2 × 10-7 to 2 × 10-8 M, respectively. Moreover, we have successfully applied the current CDs for visually distinguishing the three tetracyclines on a test strip on the basis of CDs exhibiting three types of fluorescence (weak-blue, navy-blue, and chartreuse).

Triple-helix molecular switch-based aptasensors and DNA sensors

Utilization of traditional analytical techniques is limited because they are generally time-consuming and require high consumption of reagents, complicated sample preparation and expensive equipment. Therefore, it is of great interest to achieve sensitive, rapid and simple detection methods. It is believed that nucleic acids assays, especially aptamers, are very important in modern life sciences for target detection and biological analysis. Aptamers and DNA-based sensors have been widely used for the design of various sensors owing to their unique features. In recent years, triple-helix molecular switch (THMS)-based aptasensors and DNA sensors have been broadly utilized for the detection and analysis of different targets. The THMS relies on the formation of DNA triplex via Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen base pairings under optimal conditions. This review focuses on recent progresses in the development and applications of electrochemical, colorimetric, fluorescence and SERS aptasensors and DNA sensors, which are based on THMS. Also, the advantages and drawbacks of these methods are discussed.

A novel visual ratiometric fluorescent sensing platform for highly-sensitive visual detection of tetracyclines by a lanthanide- functionalized palygorskite nanomaterial

A palygorskite (Pal)-based ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe is designed in order to establish a real time, on-site visual, and highly sensitive detection method for tetracyclines (TCs). The nanoprobe comprises the green emissive dye molecules embedded in the natural Pal, which serve as the internal reference signal. The potential red-emissive seed-europium (Eu³⁺) ions are covalently bound on the surface of modified Pal, and they can act as the specific recognition element. The emission intensity of Eu³⁺ ions significantly increases upon TC addition. The nanoprobe fluorescence changes from green to yellow, orange, or red, thereby accomplishing the visual ratiometric fluorescent detection. This nanoprobe exhibits a high sensitivity with a detection limit of 7.1nM and an excellent selectivity in monitoring the levels of TCs in milk samples. In addition, this nanoprobe is useful for quantitative determination of TCs, and it is not affected with intensity fluctuations due to instrumental or environmental factors. The nanoprobe-immobilized test paper realizes real-time TCs analysis by using a smartphone with an easy-to-access color-scanning APP as the detection platform. Moreover, the reported construction of visual ratiometric detection system follows the sustainable development idea, that is, from nature, for nature, and into the nature.

Development of a rapid and simple tetracycline detection system based on metal-enhanced fluorescence by europium-doped AgNP@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles

We herein describe a rapid and selective sensing platform for tetracycline (Tc), which relies on the metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) effect of europium (Eu³⁺)-doped silver-silica core–shell nanoparticles (AgNP@SiO₂). The developed assay utilizes AgNP@SiO₂ as a key detection component, which is systematically optimized to have a silica shell thickness suitable for the effective MEF phenomenon. In principle, the AgNP@SiO₂, which binds to Eu³⁺ through the electrostatic interaction, captures Tc by selective chelation with Eu³⁺, leading to significant fluorescence enhancement of the EuTc complex. Based on this novel strategy, we determined Tc as low as 83.1 nM with a total assay time of less than 10 min, which is comparable to or better than that of the previous fluorescence-based methods. Furthermore, the practical applicability of this strategy was successfully demonstrated by detecting Tc in tap water. This work highlights the unique features of AgNP@SiO₂ for MEF-based biosensing applications.

Tetracycline (Tc) selectively binds with europium (Eu³⁺) which emits red fluorescence (615 nm) upon excitation at 400 nm.

An interdigital array microelectrode aptasensor based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes for detection of tetracycline

In this study an impedance aptasensor was designed for sensitive, selective, and fast detection of tetracycline (TET) based on an interdigital array microelectrode (IDAM). The IDAM was integrated with impedance detection to miniaturize the conventional electrodes, enhance the sensitivity, shorten the detection time, and minimize interfering effects of non-target analytes in the solution. Due to their excellent conductivity, good biocompatibility, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used to modify the IDAM to immobilize TET aptamer effectively. The proposed aptasensor produced a sensitive impedance change which was characterized by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). With the addition of TET, the formation of TET-aptamer complex on the surface of MWCNTs modified electrode resulted in an increase of electron transfer resistance (R _et). The change of R _et depends on the concentration of TET, which is applied for the quantification of TET. A wide linear range was obtained from 10^-9 to 10^-3 M. The linear regression equation was y(ΔR) = 21.310 × x(LogC) (M) + 217.25. It was successfully applied to detect TET in real milk samples.

Magnetic solid phase extraction based on graphene oxide/nanoscale zero-valent iron for the determination of tetracyclines in water and milk by using HPLC-MS/MS

A magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) based on graphene oxide/nanoscale zero-valent iron (GO/nZVI) coupled with HPLC-MS/MS was proposed for the determination of trace tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) in water and milk.

N,S co-doped carbon dots as a stable bio-imaging probe for detection of intracellular temperature and tetracycline

N,S-CDs display an unambiguous bioimaging ability in the detection of intracellular temperature and tetracycline with satisfactory results.

Simultaneous determination of selected veterinary antibiotics in Nile tilapia (Orechromis niloticus) and water samples by HPLC/UV and LC-MS/MS

A method was optimized and validated for simultaneous estimation of some antibiotics such as CTC, DOX, FF, FLU, NAL, SDI, STZ and TMP in fish muscle and water samples.

A novel M-shape electrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of tetracyclines

Analytical techniques for detection and quantitation of tetracyclines in food products are greatly in demand. In this study, a novel electrochemical aptasensor was designed for ultrasensitive and selective detection of tetracyclines, based on M-shape structure of aptamer (Apt)-complementary strands of aptamer (CSs) complex, exonuclease I (Exo I) and gold electrode. The aptasensor was developed to make a noticeable electrochemical difference in the absence and presence of tetracycline. In the absence of tetracycline, the M-shape structure, which acts as a gate and barrier for the access of redox probe to the surface of gold electrode remains intact, leading to a weak electrochemical signal. Upon addition of tetracycline, Apt leaves CSs, resulting in disassembly of M-shape structure and following the addition of Exo I, a strong electrochemical signal was observed. The developed analytical assay indicated high selectivity toward tetracycline with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 450 pM. Moreover, the designed aptasensor was effectively used for the detection of tetracycline in milk and serum samples with LODs of 740 and 710 pM, respectively.

A combination of β-cyclodextrin functionalized magnetic graphene oxide nanoparticles with β-cyclodextrin-based sensor for highly sensitive and selective voltammetric determination of tetracycline and doxycycline in milk samples

Highly sensitive and selective determination of tetracycline and doxycycline in milk samples using solid phase extraction followed by differential pulse voltammetric determination on a β-cyclodextrin modified carbon paste sensor.

A novel colorimetric triple-helix molecular switch aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of tetracycline

Detection methods of antibiotic residues in blood serum and animal derived foods are of great interest. In this study a colorimetric aptasensor was designed for sensitive, selective and fast detection of tetracycline based on triple-helix molecular switch (THMS) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). As a biosensor, THMS shows distinct advantages including high stability, sensitivity and preserving the selectivity and affinity of the original aptamer. In the absence of tetracycline, THMS is stable, leading to the aggregation of AuNPs by salt and an obvious color change from red to blue. In the presence of tetracycline, aptamer binds to its target, signal transduction probe (STP) leaves the THMS and adsorbs on the surface of AuNPs. So the well-dispersed AuNPs remain stable against salt-induced aggregation with a red color. The presented aptasensor showed high selectivity toward tetracyclines with a limit of detection as low as 266 pM for tetracycline. The designed aptasensor was successfully applied to detect tetracycline in serum and milk.

A molecularly imprinted sensor based on an electrochemiluminescent membrane for ultratrace doxycycline determination

A new electrochemical luminescence sensor was developed based on a molecularly imprinted membrane prepared by electropolymerization of pyrogallol doped with alizarin red. The ECL signal was produced by the oxidation of the polypyrogallol polymer, which was then reacted with alizarin red, and enhanced by doxycycline molecules due to energy transfer.

Ultrasensitive resonance scattering (RS) spectral detection for trace tetracycline in milk using aptamer-coated nanogold (ACNG) as a catalyst

This paper reports an ultrasensitive resonance scattering (RS) method to detect tetracycline (TET) in milk based on the competition of aptamers between nanogold and TET, aggregation of naked nanogold, nanocatalytic Fehling reaction, and RS signals of catalytic product Cu₂O cubic. The detection principle was confirmed by the nanoparticle size analyzer (NANOS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The variations of RS intensity had good linear correlation with TET concentrations, and the limit of detection was calculated as 11.6 nM. The proposed method was successfully applied for analysis of TET in milk, with total recoveries ranging from 105 to 109%.

One-pot synthesis of high fluorescent carbon nanoparticles and their applications as probes for detection of tetracyclines

Herein, a novel strategy for synthesizing fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (CPs) with a quantum yield of approximately 7.1% has been well established by mixing l-cysteine, diphosphorus pentoxide and water. Compared with other current protocols, the method described here displayed various advantages including friendly manipulations, low cost, and rapid reactions. Subsequently, we applied the CPs prepared here for detections of tetracyclines (TCs). Briefly, the fluorescence intensity of CPs was quenched once TCs were introduced. Based on this phenomenon, TCs were analyzed respectively accompanyed with satisfactory detection limits and linear ranges. Significantly, the practicability of this sensing method was further validated by assaying TC in human urine samples and pharmaceutical preparations, confirming its potential to broaden avenues for detecting TCs. Additionally, the CPs could serve as fluorescent powder and ink followed by a simple post-treatment, suggesting their promising applications.