Gold Nanoparticle-Aptamer-Based LSPR Sensing of Ochratoxin A at a Widened Detection Range by Double Calibration Curve Method

Recent advances towards point-of-care devices for fungal detection: Emphasizing the role of plasmonic nanomaterials in current and future technologies

Fungal infections are a significant global health problem, particularly affecting individuals with weakened immune systems. Moreover, as uncontrolled antibiotic and immunosuppressant use increases continuously, fungal infections have seen a dramatic increase, with some strains developing antibiotic resistance. Traditional approaches to identifying fungal strains often rely on morphological characteristics, thus owning limitations, such as struggles in identifying several strains or distinguishing between fungal strains with similar morphologies. This review explores the multifaceted impact of fungi infections on individuals, healthcare providers, and society, highlighting the often-underestimated economic burden and healthcare implications of these infections. In light of the serious constraints of traditional fungal identification methods, this review discusses the potential of plasmonic nanoparticle-based biosensors for fungal infection identification. These biosensors can enable rapid and precise fungal pathogen detection by exploiting several readout approaches, including various spectroscopic techniques, colorimetric and electrochemical assays, as well as lateral-flow immunoassay methods. Moreover, we report the remarkable impact of plasmonic Lab on a Chip technology and microfluidic devices, as they recently emerged as a class of advanced biosensors. Finally, we provide an overview of smartphone-based Point-of-Care devices and the associated technologies developed for detecting and identifying fungal pathogens.

A Colorimetric Aptasensor for Ochratoxin A Detection Based on Tetramethylrhodamine Charge Effect-Assisted Silver Enhancement

A novel colorimetric aptasensor based on charge effect-assisted silver enhancement was developed to detect ochratoxin A (OTA). To achieve this objective, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which can catalyze silver reduction and deposition, were used as the carrier of the aptamers tagged with a positively charged tetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA). Due to the mutual attraction of positive and negative charges, the TAMRA attracted and retained the silver lactate around the AuNPs. Thus, the chance of AuNP-catalyzed silver reduction was increased. The charge effect-assisted silver enhancement was verified by tagging different base pair length aptamers with TAMRA. Under optimized conditions, the as-prepared OTA aptasensor had a working range of 1 × 10²-1 × 10⁶ pg mL^-1. The detection limit was as low as 28.18 pg mL^-1. Moreover, the proposed aptasensor has been successfully applied to determine OTA in actual samples with satisfactory results.

Recent advances in simultaneous detection strategies for multi-mycotoxins in foods

Mycotoxin contamination has become a challenge in the field of food safety testing, given the increasing emphasis on food safety in recent years. Mycotoxins are widely distributed, in heavily polluted areas. Food contamination with these toxins is difficult to prevent and control. Mycotoxins, as are small-molecule toxic metabolites produced by several species belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium growing in food. They are considered teratogenic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic to humans and animals. Food systems are often simultaneously contaminated with multiple mycotoxins. Due to the additive or synergistic toxicological effects caused by the co-existence of multiple mycotoxins, their individual detection requires reliable, accurate, and high-throughput techniques. Currently available, methods for the detection of multiple mycotoxins are mainly based on chromatography, spectroscopy (colorimetry, fluorescence, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering), and electrochemistry. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advances in the multiple detection methods of mycotoxins during the recent 5 years. The principles and features of these techniques are described. The practical applications and challenges associated with assays for multiple detection methods of mycotoxins are summarized. The potential for future development and application is discussed in an effort, to provide standards of references for further research.

A colorimetric aptasensor based on gold nanoparticles for detection of microbial toxins: an alternative approach to conventional methods

Frequent contamination of foods with microbial toxins produced by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae represents an increasing public health problem that requires the development of quick and easy tools to detect them at trace levels. Recently, it has been found that colorimetric detection methods may replace traditional methods in the field because of their ease of use, quick response, ease of manufacture, low cost, and naked-eye visibility. Therefore, it is suitable for fieldwork, especially for work in remote areas of the world. However, the development of colorimetric detection methods with low detection limits is a challenge that limits their wide applicability in the detection of food contaminants. To address these challenges, nanomaterial-based transduction systems are used to construct colorimetric biosensors. For example, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) provide an excellent platform for the development of colorimetric biosensors because they offer the advantages of easy synthesis, biocompatibility, advanced surface functionality, and adjustable physicochemical properties. The selectivity of the colorimetric biosensor can be achieved by the combination of aptamers and gold nanoparticles, which provides an unprecedented opportunity to detect microbial toxins. Compared to antibodies, aptamers have significant advantages in the analysis of microbial toxins due to their smaller size, higher binding affinity, reproducible chemical synthesis and modification, stability, and specificity. Two colorimetric mechanisms for the detection of microbial toxins based on AuNPs have been described. First, sensors that use the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) phenomenon of gold nanoparticles can exhibit very strong colors in the visible range because of changes caused by aggregation or disaggregation. Second, the detection mechanism of AuNPs is based on their enzyme mimetic properties and it is possible to construct a colorimetric biosensor based on the 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine/Hydrogen peroxide, TMB/H₂O₂ reaction to detect microbial toxins. Therefore, this review summarizes the recent applications of AuNP-based colorimetric aptasensors for detecting microbial toxins, including bacterial toxins, fungal toxins, and algal toxins focusing on selectivity, sensitivity, and practicality. Finally, the most important current challenges in this field and future research opportunities are discussed.

Recent Advances in DNA Nanotechnology for Plasmonic Biosensor Construction

Since 2010, DNA nanotechnology has advanced rapidly, helping overcome limitations in the use of DNA solely as genetic material. DNA nanotechnology has thus helped develop a new method for the construction of biosensors. Among bioprobe materials for biosensors, nucleic acids have shown several advantages. First, it has a complementary sequence for hybridizing the target gene. Second, DNA has various functionalities, such as DNAzymes, DNA junctions or aptamers, because of its unique folded structures with specific sequences. Third, functional groups, such as thiols, amines, or other fluorophores, can easily be introduced into DNA at the 5′ or 3′ end. Finally, DNA can easily be tailored by making junctions or origami structures; these unique structures extend the DNA arm and create a multi-functional bioprobe. Meanwhile, nanomaterials have also been used to advance plasmonic biosensor technologies. Nanomaterials provide various biosensing platforms with high sensitivity and selectivity. Several plasmonic biosensor types have been fabricated, such as surface plasmons, and Raman-based or metal-enhanced biosensors. Introducing DNA nanotechnology to plasmonic biosensors has brought in sight new horizons in the fields of biosensors and nanobiotechnology. This review discusses the recent progress of DNA nanotechnology-based plasmonic biosensors.

Nanomaterial-based aptamer biosensors for ochratoxin A detection: a review

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a widely distributed mycotoxin that often contaminates food, grains and animal feed. It poses a serious threat to human health because of its high toxicity and persistence. Therefore, the development of an inexpensive, highly sensitive, accurate and rapid method for OTA detection is imperative. In recent years, various nanomaterials used in the establishment of aptasensors have attracted great attention due to their large surface-to-volume ratio, good stability and facile preparation. This review summarizes the development of nanomaterial-based aptasensors for OTA determination and sample treatment over the past 5 years. The nanomaterials used in OTA aptasensors include metal, carbon, luminescent, magnetic and other nanomaterials. Finally, the limitations and future challenges in the development of nanomaterial-based OTA aptasensors are reviewed and discussed.

Aptamer/AuNPs encoders endow precise identification and discrimination of lipoprotein subclasses

Lipoproteins are composed of lipid and apolipoproteins in conjunction with noncovalent bonds. Different lipoprotein categories, particularly Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) disagree in roles for the occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease, and their exact discrimination are critically required. Herein, a multiplexed sensor platform combined with an encoder system is introduced for accurate analysis of multiple lipoproteins in complex matrix. Three encoders, i.e., bare AuNPs, AuNPs-anti-LDL aptamer (AuNPs-apt) and AuNPs-non-aptamer DNA (AuNPs-n), facilitate precise discrimination for lipoprotein subclasses at a fairly low level of 0.490 nM. The binding of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with AuNPs prevents them from gathering in a relatively higher level of salt. In targets stimuli, the weaker binding between ssDNA and AuNPs is destroyed to certain degrees depending on the differential affinities among DNA, AuNPs, and multifarious proteins. It results in distinct aggregation states of encoders to cause diverse ultraviolet absorption, which may be statistically characterized to achieve highly facile and precise identification for lipoprotein subclasses. Remarkably, LDL at 0.05-37.5 μg/mL could be identified by the encoder system. 11 typical proteins including three lipoprotein subclasses in human serum were also precisely discriminated. Furthermore, the accurate identification of lipoprotein subclasses with different molar ratios from real clinical serum samples were obtained.

Signal enhancing strategies in aptasensors for the detection of small molecular contaminants by nanomaterials and nucleic acid amplification

Small molecular contaminants (such as mycotoxins, antibiotics, pesticide residues, etc.) in food and environment have given rise to many biological and ecological toxicities, which has attracted worldwide attention in recent years. Meanwhile, due to the advantages of aptamers such as high specificity and stability, easy synthesis and modification, as well as low cost and immunogenicity, various aptasensors for the detection of small molecular contaminants have been flourishing. An aptasensor as a whole is composed of an aptamer-based target recognizer and a signal transducer, which are fields of concentrated research. In the practical detection applications, in order to achieve the quantitative detection of small molecular contaminants at low abundance in real samples, a large number of signal enhancing strategies have been utilized in the development of aptasensors. Recent years is a vintage period for efficient signal enhancing strategies of aptasensors by the aid of nanomaterials and nucleic acid amplification that are applied in the elements for target recognition and signal conversion. Therefore, this paper meticulously reviews the signal enhancing strategies based on nanomaterials (including the (quasi-)zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional nanomaterials) and nucleic acid amplification (including enzyme-assisted nucleic acid amplification and enzyme-free nucleic acid amplification). Furthermore, the challenges and future trends of the abovementioned signal enhancing strategies for application are also discussed in order to inspire the practitioners in the research and development of aptasensors for small molecular contaminants.

Histidine Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles for Screening Aminoglycosides and Nanomolar Level Detection of Streptomycin in Water, Milk, and Whey

Aminoglycoside (AMG) antibiotics are being applied to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, mainly in livestock, and are prescribed only in severe cases because of their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. Monitoring antibiotic residues in dairy products relies on the accessibility of portable and efficient analytical techniques. Presently, high-throughput screening techniques have been proposed to detect several antimicrobial drugs having identical structural and functional features. The L-histidine functionalized gold nanoparticles (His@AuNPs) do not form a complex with other tested antibiotic classes but show high selectivity for AMG antibiotics. We used ligand-induced aggregation of His@AuNPs as a rapid and sensitive localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) assay for AMG antibiotics, producing longitudinal extinction shifts at 660 nm. Herein, we explore the practical application of His@AuNPs to detect streptomycin spiked in water, milk, and whey fraction of milk with nanomolar level sensitivity. The ability of the analytical method to recognize target analytes sensitively and rapidly is of great significance to perform monitoring, thus would certainly reassure widespread use of AMG antibiotics. The biosynthesis of hybrid organic–inorganic metal nanoparticles like His@AuNPs with desired size distribution, stability, and specific host–guest recognition proficiency, would further facilitate applications in various other fields.

Biosensing Applications Using Nanostructure-Based Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensors

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-based biosensors have recently garnered increasing attention due to their potential to allow label-free, portable, low-cost, and real-time monitoring of diverse analytes. Recent developments in this technology have focused on biochemical markers in clinical and environmental settings coupled with advances in nanostructure technology. Therefore, this review focuses on the recent advances in LSPR-based biosensor technology for the detection of diverse chemicals and biomolecules. Moreover, we also provide recent examples of sensing strategies based on diverse nanostructure platforms, in addition to their advantages and limitations. Finally, this review discusses potential strategies for the development of biosensors with enhanced sensing performance.

Bio-Active Free Direct Optical Sensing of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A Using a Manganese Oxide Nano-System

Aflatoxins-B1 (AFB1) and Ochratoxin-A (OchA) are the two types of major mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus fungi, Aspergillus carbonarius, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium verrocusumv. These toxins are mainly found in metabolite cereals, corn, coffee beans, and other oil-containing food items. Excessive consumption of these toxins can be carcinogenic and lead to cancer. Thus, their rapid testing became essential for food quality control. Herein, manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO2 nps) have been proposed to explore the interaction with AFB1 and OchA using UV-visible spectroscopy. MnO2 nps were synthesized using the co-precipitation method. They were pure and crystalline with an average crystallite size of 5–6 nm. In the UV-vis study, the maximum absorbance for MnO2 nps was observed around 260 nm. The maximum absorbance for AFB1 and OchA was observed at 365 and 380 nm, respectively, and its intensity enhanced with the addition of MnO2 nps. Sequential changes were observed with varying the concentration of AFB1 and OchA with a fixed concentration of MnO2 nps, resulting in proper interaction. The binding constant (kb) and Gibbs free energy for MnO2 nps-AFB1 and OchA were observed as 1.62 × 104 L g−1 and 2.67 × 104 L g−1, and −24.002 and −25.256 kJ/mol, respectively. The limit of detection for AFB1 and OchA was measured as 4.08 and 10.84 ng/ml, respectively. This bio‐active free direct sensing approach of AFB1 and OchA sensing can be promoted as a potential analytical tool to estimate food quality rapidly and affordable manner at the point of use.

Aptasensor for paraquat detection by gold nanoparticle colorimetric method

This study aimed to develop an aptasensor for paraquat detection by gold nanoparticles. The specific aptamer for paraquat was selected by using the SELEX process via capillary electrophoresis. Sixty-three aptamer candidates were amplified by asymmetric PCR and screened for paraquat binding using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Aggregation of AuNPs was specifically induced by desorption of paraquat binding aptamers from the surface of AuNPs as a result of aptamer-target interaction leading to the color change from red to purple. Aptamer 77F with the following sequence: 5'-AGGCTTACACCTGAAAAGCGGCTTAATTTACACTACTGTAT-3' was selected as a highly specific aptamer for paraquat. The detection limit of paraquat was 0.267 µg/mL by colorimetry and 1.573 µg/mL by the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique. This aptamer showed specificity for paraquat by colorimetry. Dimethyl phophite, diethyl phophite and O,O diethyl thiophosphate potassium salt did not react by colorimetry but, exhibited a weak nonspecific reaction by QCM. This is first time that an aptasensor was used for detection of paraquat based on QCM. However, the aptasensor based on the colorimetric method simply uses a generation of a signal that can be detected by the naked eye. This technique is rapid, low cost easy to use and suitable for on-site detection of herbicide residue.

Advances in Colorimetric Strategies for Mycotoxins Detection: Toward Rapid Industrial Monitoring

Mycotoxins contamination is a global public health concern. Therefore, highly sensitive and selective techniques are needed for their on-site monitoring. Several approaches are conceivable for mycotoxins analysis, among which colorimetric methods are the most attractive for commercialization purposes thanks to their visual read-out, easy operation, cost-effectiveness, and rapid response. This review covers the latest achievements in the last five years for the development of colorimetric methods specific to mycotoxins analysis, with a particular emphasis on their potential for large-scale applications in food industries. Gathering all types of (bio)receptors, main colorimetric methods are critically discussed, including enzyme-linked assays, lateral flow-assays, microfluidic devices, and homogenous in-solution strategies. This special focus on colorimetry as a versatile transduction method for mycotoxins analysis is comprehensively reviewed for the first time.

Understanding the influence of experimental factors on bio-interactions of nanoparticles: Towards improving correlation between in vitro and in vivo studies

Bionanotechnology has developed rapidly over the past two decades, owing to the extensive and versatile, functionalities and applicability of nanoparticles (NPs). Fifty-one nanomedicines have been approved by FDA since 1995, out of the many NPs based formulations developed to date. The general conformation of NPs consists of a core with ligands coating their surface, that stabilizes them and provides them with added functionalities. The physicochemical properties, especially the surface composition of NPs influence their bio-interactions to a large extent. This review discusses recent studies that help understand the nano-bio interactions of iron oxide and gold NPs with different surface compositions. We discuss the influence of the experimental factors on the outcome of the studies and, thus, the importance of standardization in the field of nanotechnology. Recent studies suggest that with careful selection of experimental parameters, it is possible to improve the positive correlation between in vitro and in vivo studies. This provides a fundamental understanding of the NPs which helps in assessing their potential toxic side effects and may aid in manipulating them further to improve their biocompatibility and biosafety.

Using Aptamers as a Novel Method for Determining GnRH/LH Pulsatility

Aptamers are a novel technology enabling the continuous measurement of analytes in blood and other body compartments, without the need for repeated sampling and the associated reagent costs of traditional antibody-based methodologies. Aptamers are short single-stranded synthetic RNA or DNA that recognise and bind to specific targets. The conformational changes that can occur upon aptamer–ligand binding are transformed into chemical, fluorescent, colour changes and other readouts. Aptamers have been developed to detect and measure a variety of targets in vitro and in vivo. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a pulsatile hypothalamic hormone that is essential for normal fertility but difficult to measure in the peripheral circulation. However, pulsatile GnRH release results in pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) release from the pituitary gland. As such, LH pulsatility is the clinical gold standard method to determine GnRH pulsatility in humans. Aptamers have recently been shown to successfully bind to and measure GnRH and LH, and this review will focus on this specific area. However, due to the adaptability of aptamers, and their suitability for incorporation into portable devices, aptamer-based technology is likely to be used more widely in the future.

Recent advances in aptasensors for mycotoxin detection: On the surface and in the colloid

Mycotoxins are a great potential threat to human health, and the progress in the development of mycotoxin detection methods is of an escalating importance with the increasing emphasis on food safety. Aptamer, performing the same function as antibody in specific binding with targets, exhibits profound potential in biosensing since its debut in 1990. Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of aptasensors for mycotoxin detection with the achievement of ultralow limit of detection and high sensitivity in the lab. However, there is still no officially approved aptasensing methods in mycotoxin detection application. In order to provide researchers with inspirations in the design and development of aptasensors for mycotoxin detection, we divide these aptasensors into two types, namely "on the surface" and "in the colloid", according to the location where the key sensing reaction occurs. We also systematically review aptasensors reported in the past 5 years under the abovementioned criterion of classification, and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of aptasensors. Finally, we discuss prospective directions in the development of aptasensors for mycotoxin detection. This paper will offer insight and motivation to practitioners working on the research and practical application of aptasensors in the detection of mycotoxins and other substances.

Sensing Adenosine and ATP by Aptamers and Gold Nanoparticles: Opposite Trends of Color Change from Domination of Target Adsorption Instead of Aptamer Binding

The 27 mer DNA aptamer for adenosine and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is a popular model system for designing biosensors. Various strategies have been reported for label-free colorimetric detection using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). It is generally accepted that free aptamers can protect AuNPs against salt-induced aggregation, whereas target-bound aptamers cannot. However, these studies only considered the aptamer binding to its target, and the adsorption of the aptamer on AuNPs, but none considered the adsorption of target molecules by AuNPs. We herein report that the adsorption of adenosine destabilized citrate-capped AuNPs with an apparent K_d of just 7.7 μM adenosine, whereas that of ATP stabilized the AuNPs because of the negative charges from the triphosphate group. The adsorbed ATP inhibited the adsorption of DNA. Using the aptamer and a nonbinding mutant, ATP and guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP) had the same colorimetric response, and so did adenosine and guanosine, regardless of the DNA sequence, indicating that the color change mainly reflected the adsorption of the nucleosides and nucleotides instead of aptamer binding. The related literature examples using this aptamer were classified into three types and individually analyzed, where the reported color changes can all be explained by the adsorption of target analytes.

Gold Nanoparticle-Enhanced and Roll-to-Roll Nanoimprinted LSPR Platform for Detecting Interleukin-10

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is a powerful platform for detecting biomolecules including proteins, nucleotides, and vesicles. Here, we report a colloidal gold (Au) nanoparticle-based assay that enhances the LSPR signal of nanoimprinted Au strips. The binding of the colloidal Au nanoparticle on the Au strip causes a red-shift of the LSPR extinction peak, enabling the detection of interleukin-10 (IL-10) cytokine. For LSPR sensor fabrication, we employed a roll-to-roll nanoimprinting process to create nanograting structures on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. By the angled deposition of Au on the PET film, we demonstrated a double-bent Au structure with a strong LSPR extinction peak at ~760 nm. Using the Au LSPR sensor, we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) protocol by forming a sandwich structure of IL-10 capture antibody/IL-10/IL-10 detection antibody. To enhance the LSPR signal, we introduced colloidal Au nanocube (AuNC) to be cross-linked with IL-10 detection antibody for immunogold assay. Using IL-10 as a model protein, we successfully achieved nanomolar sensitivity. We confirmed that the shift of the extinction peak was improved by 450% due to plasmon coupling between AuNC and Au strip. We expect that the AuNC-assisted LSPR sensor platform can be utilized as a diagnostic tool by providing convenient and fast detection of the LSPR signal.

Fabrication of microfluidic device for Aflatoxin M1 detection in milk samples with specific aptamers

This study describes the colorimetric detection of aflatoxin M1 (Afl M1) in milk samples using a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD). Fabrication of µPADs was done using a simple and quick approach. Each μPAD contained a detection zone and a sample zone interconnected by microchannels. The colorimetric assay was developed using unmodified AuNPs as a probe and 21-mer aptamer as a recognition molecule. The free aptamers were adsorbed onto the surface of AuNPs in absence of Afl M1, even at high salt concentrations. The salt induced aggregation of specific aptamers occurred in presence of Afl M1. Under optimum conditions, the analytical linear range was found to be 1 µM to 1 pM with limit of detection 3 pM and 10 nM in standard buffer and spiked milk samples respectively. The proposed aptamer based colorimetric assay was repeatable, quick, selective, and can be used for on-site detection of other toxins in milk and meat samples.

Development of ELISA and Lateral Flow Immunoassays for Ochratoxins (OTA and OTB) Detection Based on Monoclonal Antibody

Ochratoxins were important secondary metabolites secreted by fungi, and OTA and OTB are mainly significant mycotoxin, having toxic effects on humans and animals. Therefore, it is important to establish a rapid, sensitive, and precise method for ochratoxins detection and quantification in real samples. In this study, a stable monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizing both OTA and OTB toxins was employed for the establishment of indirect competitive ELISA (ic-ELISA), colloidal gold nanoparticles (CGNs), and nanoflowers gold strips (AuNFs) for detection of ochratoxins in real samples. A 6E5 hybridoma cell line stable secreting mAb against both OTA and OTB toxins was obtained by fusion of splenocytes with myeloma SP2/0 cells. The 6E5 mAb had a high affinity (3.7 × 10⁸ L/mol) to OTA, and also showed similar binding activity to OTB. The optimized ic-ELISA resulted in a linear range of 0.06–0.6 ng/mL for ochratoxins (OTA and OTB) detection. The IC50 was 0.2 ng/mL and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.03 ng/mL. The mean recovery rate from the spiked samples was 89.315 ± 2.257%, with a coefficient variation of 2.182%. The result from lateral flow immunoassays indicated that the LOD of CGNs and AuNFs were 5 and 1 μg/mL, respectively. All these results indicated that the developed ic-ELISA, CGNs, and AuNFs in this study could be used for the analysis of the residual of ochratoxins (OTA and OTB) in food and agricultural products.

A multi-channel localized surface plasmon resonance system for absorptiometric determination of abscisic acid by using gold nanoparticles functionalized with a polyadenine-tailed aptamer

A multi-channel localized surface plasmon resonance system is described for absorptiometric determination of abscisic acid (ABA). The system is making use of gold nanoparticles and consists of a broadband light source, a multi-channel alignment device, and a fiber spectrometer. The method is based on the specific interaction between an ABA-binding aptamer and ABA. This induces the growth of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with a polyadenine-tailed aptamer that act as optical probes. Different concentrations of ABA give rise to varied morphologies of grown AuNPs. This causes a change of absorption spectra which is recorded by the system. ABA can be quantified by measurement of the peak wavelength shifts of grown AuNPs. Under optimized conditions, this method shows a linear relationship in the 1 nM to 10 μM ABA concentration range. The detection limit is 0.51 nM. The sensitivity of the ABA assay is strongly improved compared to the method based on salt-induced AuNP aggregation. This is attributed to the use of a poly-A-tailed aptamer and the catalytic ability of AuNPs. In the actual application, the ABA concentration of ABA in fresh leaves of rice is measured with the maximum relative error of 8.03% in comparison with the ELISA method. Graphical abstractSchematic representation of an absorptiometric approach for determination of abscisic acid based on the growth of polyA-tailed aptamer-AuNPs probes and a multi-channel localized surface plasmon resonance system.

Simultaneous Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Multi-Class Chemical Contaminants in Maize and Peanut with One-Stop Sample Preparation

Multi-class chemical contaminants, such as pesticides and mycotoxins, are recognized as the major risk factors in agro products. It is thus necessary to develop rapid and simple sensing methods to fulfill the on-site monitoring of multi-class chemical contaminants with different physicochemical properties. Herein, a lateral flow immunoassay via time-resolved fluorescence was developed for the rapid, on-site, simultaneous, and quantitative sensing aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), zearalenone (ZEA), and chlorothalonil (CTN) in maize and peanut. The sample preparation was optimized to a single step, combining the grinding and extraction. Under optimal conditions, the sensing method lowered the limits of detection (LOD) to 0.16, 0.52, and 1.21 µg/kg in maize and 0.18, 0.57, and 1.47 µg/kg in peanut with an analytical range of 0.48⁻20, 1.56⁻200, and 3.63⁻300 µg/kg for AFB₁, ZEA and CTN, respectively. The protocol could be completed within 15 min, including sample preparation and lateral flow immunoassay. The recovery range was 83.24⁻110.80%. An excellent correlation was observed between this approach and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) for mycotoxins and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) for pesticide in maize and peanut. This work could be applied in on-site multi-class sensing for food safety.