Highly sensitive and selective determination of malathion in vegetable extracts by an electrochemical sensor based on Cu-metal organic framework

MIL-88B(Fe) MOF modified screen-printed electrodes for non-enzymatic electrochemical sensing of malathion

An enzyme-free electrochemical approach for ultra-trace quantification of the organophosphate insecticide malathion is proposed in this study. It is premised on screen-printed carbon electrodes modified by the MIL-88B(Fe) metal-organic framework (MOF). A one-pot solvothermal method was used to synthesise MIL-88B(Fe). The surface modification of electrodes allowed for increased electroactive surface area and accelerated electron transport on the electrode. Inhibition in the redox signal of MIL-88B(Fe) was observed due to the affinity between metal centres of the MOF and the functional groups of malathion, leading to an accurate determination of malathion. The proposed sensor effectively quantified malathion in the wide concentration range of 1 × 10-12 M to 1 × 10-6 M. The limit of detection for malathion was 0.79 pM. The proposed sensor also possessed excellent stability, repeatability, and anti-interference characteristics. Furthermore, the proposed sensor demonstrated satisfactory malathion recovery in spiked vegetable samples.

Detection of Environmentally Harmful Malathion Pesticides Using a Bimetallic Oxide of CuO Nanoparticles Dispersed over a 3D ZnO Nanoflower

Super-sensitive malathion detection was achieved using a nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor based on a CuO/ZnO-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Due to the high affinity between the Cu element and the sulfur groups in malathion, the developed CuO-ZnO/GCE sensor may bond malathion with ease, inhibiting the redox signal of the Cu element when malathion is present. In addition to significantly increasing the ability of electron transfer, the addition of 3D-flower-like ZnO enhances active sites of the sensor interface for the high affinity of malathion, giving the CuO-ZnO/GCE composite an exceptional level of sensitivity and selectivity. This enzyme-free CuO-ZnO/GCE malathion sensor demonstrates outstanding stability and excellent detection performance under optimal operating conditions with a wide linear range of malathion from 0 to 200 nM and a low detection limit of 1.367 nM. A promising alternative technique for organophosphorus pesticide (OP) determination is offered by the analytical performance of the proposed sensor, and this method can be quickly and sensitively applied to samples that have been contaminated with these pesticides.

Recent advancements in non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor development for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides in food and environment

Organophosphorus Pesticides (OPPs) are among the extensively used pesticides throughout the world to boost agricultural production. However, persistent residues of these toxic pesticides in various vegetables, fruits, and drinking water poses detrimental health effects. Consequently, the rapid monitoring of these harmful chemicals through simple and cost-effective methods has become crucial. In such an instance, electrochemical methods offer simple, rapid, sensitive, reproducible, and affordable detection pathways. To overcome the limitations associated with electrochemical enzymatic sensors, non-enzymatic sensors have emerged as promising and simpler alternatives. The non-enzymatic sensors have demonstrated superior activity, reaching detection limit up to femto (10-15) molar concentration in recent years, leveraging higher selectivity obtained through the molecularly imprinted polymers, synergistic effects between carbonaceous nanomaterials and metals, metal oxide alloys, and other alternative approaches. Herein, this review paper provides an overview of the recent advancements in the development of non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors for the detection of commonly used OPPs, such as Chlorpyrifos (CHL), Diazinon (DZN), Malathion (MTN), Methyl parathion (MP) and Fenthion (FEN). The design method of the electrodes, electrode functioning mechanism, and their analytical performance metrics, such as limit of detection, sensitivity, selectivity, and linearity range, were reviewed and compared. Furthermore, the existing challenges within this rapidly growing field were discussed along with their potential solutions which will facilitate the fabrication of advanced and sustainable non-enzymatic sensors in the future.

Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Aptasensing of Malathion Based on Hydroxylated Black Phosphorus/Poly-L-Lysine Composite

A highly sensitive unlabeled electrochemical aptasensor based on hydroxylated black phosphorus/poly-L-lysine (hBP/PLL) composite is introduced herein for the detection of malathion. Poly-L-lysine (PLL) with adhesion and coating properties adhere to the surface of the nanosheets by noncovalent interactions with underlying hydroxylated black phosphorus nanosheets (hBP) to produce the hBP/PLL composite. The as-synthesized hBP/PLL composite bonded to Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) firmly by assembling and using them as a substrate for the aptamer with high specificity as a probe to fabricate the sensor. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of the electrochemical aptasensor was 0.1 pM~1 μM, and the detection limit was 2.805 fM. The electrochemical aptasensor has great selectivity, a low detection limit, and anti-interference, which has potential application prospects in the field of rapid trace detection of pesticide residues.

Recent insights into metallic nanoparticles in shelf-life extension of agrifoods: Properties, green synthesis, and major applications

Nanotechnology emerged as a revolutionary technology in various fields of applied sciences, such as biomedical engineering and food technology. The pivotal roles of nanocompounds have been explored in various fields, such as food protection, preservation, and enhancement of shelf life. In this sequence, metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) are proven to be useful in developing products with antimicrobial activity and subsequently improve the shelf life of agrifoods. The major application of MNPs has been observed in the packaging industry due to the combining ability of biopolymers with MNPs. In recent years, various metal nanoparticles have been explored to formulate various active food packaging materials. However, the method of production and the need for risk evaluation are still a topic of discussion among researchers around the world. In general, MNPs are synthesized by various chemical and physical means, which may pose variable health risks. To overcome such issues, the green synthesis of MNPs using microbial and plant extracts has been proposed by various researchers. In this review, we aimed at exploring the green synthesis of MNPs, their properties and characterization, various ways of utilizing MNPs to extend their shelf life, and, most importantly, the risk associated with these along with their quality and safety considerations.

Determination of organophosphorus compounds in water and food samples using a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor based on silver nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes nanocomposite coupled with batch injection analysis

This work presents, for the first time, a fast and highly sensitive electrochemical method for determination of three organophosphorus compounds (OPs), diazinon (DZN), malathion (MLT), and chlorpyrifos (CLPF), using a modified pyrolytic graphite electrode (PGE) coupled to batch injection analysis system with multiple pulse amperometric detection (BIA-MPA). The PGE was modified by a nanocomposite based on functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTf) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The OPs samples were directly analyzed on the modified working electrode surface by BIA-MPA system in Britton-Robinson (BR) buffer 0.15 mol L^-1 at pH 6.0. The MPA detection of DZN, MLT and CLPF was performed using two potential pulses, which were sequentially applied on modified PGE at -1.3 V (100 ms) and +0.8 V (100 ms) for selective determination of these three OPs and working electrode cleaning, respectively. Under optimized conditions, the sensor presented a linear range of 0.1-20 μmol L^-1 for DZN, 1.0-30 μmol L^-1 for MLT and from 0.25 to 50 μmol L^-1 for CLPF. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 0.35 and 1.18 μmol L^-1 for DZN, 0.89 and 2.98 μmol L^-1 for MLT, and 0.53 and 1.78 μmol L^-1 for CLPF were obtained. The proposed method exhibited high sensitivity of 0.068, 0.030 and 0.043 mA L μmol^-1 for DZN, MLT and CLPF detection, respectively. Furthermore, the BIA-MPA system provided an analytical frequency of 71 determinations per hour for direct determination of these OPs in water and food samples. The modified PGE coupled to BIA-MPA system showed a high stability of electrochemical response for OPs detection with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.60% (n = 20). The addition-recovery studies of the proposed method were carried out in tap water, orange juice, and apple fruit real samples, which showed suitable recovery values between 77 and 124%. The analytical performance of the developed sensor provides an attractive alternative method for OPs determination with great potential for a fast and sensitive application in contaminated samples with these pesticides.

Metal-Organic Frameworks in Agriculture

Agrochemicals, which are crucial to meet the world food qualitative and quantitative demand, are compounds used to kill pests (insects, fungi, rodents, or unwanted plants). Regrettably, there are some important issues associated with their widespread and extensive use (e.g., contamination, bioaccumulation, and development of pest resistance); thus, a reduced and more controlled use of agrochemicals and thorough detection in food, water, soil, and fields are necessary. In this regard, the development of new functional materials for the efficient application, detection, and removal of agrochemicals is a priority. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with exceptional sorptive, recognition capabilities, and catalytical properties have very recently shown their potential in agriculture. This Review emphasizes the recent advances in the use of MOFs in agriculture through three main views: environmental remediation, controlled agrochemical release, and detection of agrochemicals.

Recent advancements in metal-organic frameworks composites based electrochemical (bio)sensors

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a novel class of crystalline materials which find widespread applications in the field of microporous conductors, catalysis, separation, biomedical engineering, and electrochemical sensing. With a specific emphasis on the MOF composites for electrochemical sensor applications, this review summarizes the recent construction strategies on the development of conductive MOF composites (post-synthetic modification of MOFs, in situ synthesis of functional materials@MOFs composites, and incorporating electroactive ligands). The developed composites are revealed to have excellent electrochemical sensing activity better than their pristine forms. Notably, the applicable functionalized MOFs to electrochemical sensing/biosensing of various target species are discussed. Finally, we highlight the perspectives and challenges in the field of electrochemical sensors and biosensors for potential directions of future development.

Metal organic frameworks for electrochemical sensor applications: A review

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are broadly known as porous coordination polymers, synthesized by metal-based nodes and organic linkers. MOFs are used in various fields like catalysis, energy storage, sensors, drug delivery etc., due to their versatile properties (tailorable pore size, high surface area, and exposed active sites). This review presents a detailed discussion of MOFs as an electrochemical sensor and their enhancement in the selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor. These sensors are used for the detection of heavy metal ions like Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Cu²⁺ from groundwater. Various types of organic pollutants are also detected from the water bodies using MOFs. Furthermore, electrochemical sensing of antibiotics, phenolic compounds, and pesticides has been explored. In addition to this, there is also a detailed discussion of metal nano-particles and metal-oxide based composites which can sense various compounds like glucose, amino acids, uric acid etc. The review will be helpful for young researchers, and an inspiration to future research as challenges and future opportunities of MOF-based electrochemical sensors are also reported.

Metallic Nanoparticles in the Food Sector: A Mini-Review

Nanomaterials, and in particular metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), have significantly contributed to the production of healthier, safer, and higher-quality foods and food packaging with special properties, such as greater mechanical strength, improved gas barrier capacity, increased water repellency and ability to inhibit microbial contamination, ensuring higher quality and longer product shelf life. MNPs can also be incorporated into chemical and biological sensors, enabling the design of fast and sensitive monitoring devices to assess food quality, from freshness to detection of allergens, food-borne pathogens or toxins. This review summarizes recent developments in the use of MNPs in the field of food science and technology. Additionally, a brief overview of MNP synthesis and characterization techniques is provided, as well as of the toxicity, biosafety and regulatory issues of MNPs in the agricultural, feed and food sectors.

A Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor Based on Electrocatalytic Reduction Effect of Cu2+ on Trace Determination of Malathion in Soil and Other Complex Matrices

The current strategy reports a highly sensitive and selective square wave-cathodic stripping voltammetric protocol for malathion determination. The established method was based on the controlled adsorptive accumulation of malathion in the presence of Cu2+ ions in an aqueous solution of pH 2 onto the hanging mercury dropping electrode (HMDE) and measuring the resulting cathodic peak current of the adsorbed species at −0.42 V versus Ag/AgCl electrode. The low limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of malathion of the assay were estimated to be 3.1 × 10−10 and 1.03 × 10−9 M with a linear dynamic range of 1.03×10−9 – 2.0 × 10−7 M, respectively. The method was satisfactorily applied and validated for malathion determination in environmental samples. The experimental Student texp and Fexp values did not exceed the tabulated ttab (2.78) and Ftab (6.39) at 95% (P = 0.05) confidence (n = 5), confirming the precision and independence on the matrix. The developed sensing platform for the detection of malathion shows superior performance to conventional electrochemical methods. The proposed sensor offered simple, economical, reproducible, and applicable approach for the determination of malathion in environmental samples.

Free Fatty Acid from Waste Palm Oil Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles Immobilized on Surface Graphene Oxide as a New Adsorbent for Simultaneously Detecting Hazardous Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Phthalate Esters in Food Extracts

A newly synthesized free fatty acids from waste palm oil functionalized magnetic nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of graphene oxide (FFA@MNP-GO) was successfully synthesized and characterized in this research. The combinations of long alkyl chain of free fatty acid with graphene oxide that consists of large delocalized 77-electron systems and abundant of hydrophilic groups with hydroxyl, epoxide and carboxylic groups offer the determination of simultaneous wide range of polarities of organic pollutants in real matrices through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and 77-77 interactions. The fabricated adsorbent was successfully applied as a magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) adsorbent for the simultaneous separation of selected phthalate esters (PAEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in apple and cabbage extracts prior to their high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) determination. Factors affecting the extraction efficiency such as amount of adsorbent, desorption solvent, volume of desorption solvent, extraction time, desorption time, pH and sample volume were investigated and optimized. The results revealed that under optimal conditions, the detection limit of selected PAEs and PAHs were in the range of 0.56-0.97 ng mL^-1 and 0.02-0.93 ng mL^-1, respectively. The spiked recoveries of real apple and cabbage extracts for PAEs and PAHs were in the range of 81.5-117.6% with good relative standard deviation (RSD) (n = 5) less than 10% and 86.7-118.2% with acceptable RSDs (n = 5) ranging from 1.5 to 11.0%, respectively. This study reported for the first time the use of MSPE procedure for simultaneous determination of chosen PAHs and PAEs in real samples including apple and cabbage extracts by using new adsorbent, FFA@MNP-GO.

Recent advancements in the detection of organophosphate pesticides: a review

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) are generally utilized for the protection of crops from pests. Because the use of OPPs in various agricultural operations has expanded dramatically, precise monitoring of their concentration levels has become the critical issue, which will help in the protection of ecological systems and food supply. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified them as extremely dangerous chemical compounds. Taking their immense use and toxicity into consideration, the development of easy, rapid and highly sensitive techniques is necessary. Despite the fact that there are numerous conventional ways for detecting OPPs, the development of portable sensors is required to make routine analysis considerably more convenient. Some of these advanced techniques include colorimetric sensors, fluorescence sensors, molecular imprinted polymer-based sensors, and surface plasmon resonance-based sensors. This review article specifically focuses on the colorimetric, fluorescence and electrochemical sensors. In this article, the sensing strategies of these developed sensors, analytical conditions and their respective limit of detection are compiled.

New frontiers and prospects of metal-organic frameworks for removal, determination, and sensing of pesticides

Pesticides have been widely used in agriculture to control, reduce, and kill insects. Humans are also being using pesticides to control insidious animals in daily life. By these practices, a huge volume of pesticides is introduced to the environment. Despite broad-spectrum applicability, pesticides also have hazardous effects on both humans and animals at high and low concentrations. Long-term exposure to pesticides can cause different diseases, like leukemia, lymphoma, and cancers of the brain, breasts, prostate, testis, and ovaries. Reproductive disorders from pesticides include birth defects, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, sterility, and infertility. Therefore, the application of determination and treatment methods for pre-concentration and removal of these toxic materials from the environment appears a vital concern. To date, different materials and approaches have been employed for these purposes. Among these approaches, multifunctional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-assisted adsorption and determination processes have always been in the spotlight. These facts are due to exclusive properties of MOFs in terms of the crystallinity, large surface area, high chemical, and physical stability, and controllable structure as well as unique features of adsorption and determination process in terms of simple, easy, cheap, available method and ability to use in large and industrial scales. In the present work, we illustrate the exceptional features of MOFs as well as the possible mechanism for the adsorption of pesticides by MOFs. The use of these fantastic materials for pre-concentration and removal of pesticides are extensively explored. In addition, the performance of MOFs was compared with other adsorbents. Finally, the new frontiers and prospects of MOFs for the determination, sensing, and removal of pesticides are presented.

An acetylcholinesterase-based biosensor for the detection of pesticides using liquid crystals confined in microcapillaries

Here, we demonstrate a capillary-sensing platform based on liquid crystals (LCs) confined in microcapillaries for simple and sensitive detection of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and its inhibitors. LC droplets were formed through sequential injection of LCs and an aqueous solution into trichloro(octyl)silane (OTS)-treated microcapillaries. When the confined LC droplets make contact with a cationic surfactant solution, myristoylcholine chloride (Myr), the formation of a Myr monolayer at the aqueous/LC interface induces a horizontal orientation of the LCs at the interface along the microcapillary, producing an optical LC droplet texture of a four-petal shape. On the other hand, AChE can catalyze the hydrolysis of Myr into choline and myristic acid. The hydrolyzed Myr is unable to form a monolayer at the aqueous/LC interface, and therefore the confined LC droplets exhibit two bright-lined optical images when in contact with the pre-incubated mixture of Myr and AChE, corresponding to the homeotropic orientation of LCs at the interface. However, in the presence of AChE-inhibiting pesticides, such as fenobucarb and malathion, the activity of AChE is inhibited, and thus, the enzymatic hydrolysis of Myr cannot occur. As a result, the confined LC droplets present the four petal-shaped optical images when in contact with the pre-incubated mixture of Myr, AChE, and pesticides. Based on this principle, an LC-based microcapillary sensor was developed and utilized for the detection of pesticides. Using this sensing platform, fenobucarb and malathion were detected at limits of 5 pg/mL and 2.5 pg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the proposed biosensor was successfully applied to the determination of pesticides in real river water. Therefore, this LC-based microcapillary sensor is a promising platform for simple, rapid, and label-free detection of pesticides with very high sensitivity.