Graphene Quantum Dot-Based Optical Sensing Platform for Aflatoxin B1 Detection via the Resonance Energy Transfer Phenomenon

Abstract

An optical sensing platform for the detection of an important mycotoxin, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), in the absence of a bioactive environment is explored. In this work, a fluorescence-based sensing technique was designed by combining graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and AFB1 via fluorescence quenching, where AFB1 acts as the quencher of GQD fluorescence. GQDs were synthesized through a single-step hydrothermal reaction from the leaves of “curry tree” (Murraya Koenigii) at 200 °C. The fluorescent GQDs were quenched by AFB1 (quencher), which itself is detecting the analyte. Hence, this study reports the direct sensing of the mycotoxin AFB1 without the involvement of inhibitors or biological entities. The possible mode of quenching is the nonradiative resonance energy transfer between the GQDs and the AFB1 molecules. This innovative sensor could detect AFB1 in the range from 5 to 800 ng mL–1 with a detection limit of 0.158 ng mL–1. The interferent study was also carried out in the presence of different mycotoxins and carbohydrates (d-fructose, cellulose, and starch), which demonstrated the high selectivity and robustness of the sensor in the complex sample matrix. The recovery percentage of the spiked samples was also calculated to be up to 106.8%. Thus, this study reports the first GQD based optical sensor for AFB1.

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Nanoassemblies Based on a Cationic Perylene Diimide Derivative and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate: A Simple Fluorescent Platform for Efficient Analysis of Aflatoxin B1

“…Compared with other analytical methods, fluorescence techniques not only possess the characteristics of facile operation without specialized instrumentation but also exhibit high sensitivity and good selectivity for analytes. − The fluorophores have a significant effect on the sensing performance of the fluorescent strategy. Currently, some fluorophores (such as metal–organic frameworks and carbon quantum dots) were employed for the quantitative detection of AFB 1 in food samples directly. ,− For instance, Wang et al successfully developed a fluorescent sensing platform based on Al-MOF for the efficient detection of AFB 1 . Although the above materials possess a well-designed molecular structure, poor water solubility, and time stability limit their further practical application greatly. , It remains a challenge to find an appropriate probe for AFB 1 detection in 100% aqueous systems.…”