Ratiometric Luminescence Aptasensor Based on Dual-Emissive Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles for Autofluorescence- and Exogenous Interference-Free Determination of Trace Aflatoxin B1 in Food Samples

Abstract

Sensitive and accurate determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is of great significance to food safety and human health as it is recognized as the most toxic mycotoxin and carcinogenic. Herein, we report a ratiometric luminescence aptasensor based on dual-emissive persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNP) for the accurate determination of trace AFB1 in complex food samples without autofluorescence and exogenous interference. Dual-emissive PLNP ZnGa2O4:Cr0.0001 was prepared first and acted as the donor for energy transfer as well as the signal unit with phosphorescence at 714 and 508 nm (the detection and the reference signal, respectively). AFB1 aptamer was then bonded on the surface of PLNP to offer specific recognition ability. Aptamer complementary DNA modified with Cy5.5 was employed as the acceptor for energy transfer and the quenching group to eventually develop a turn-on ratiometric luminescence aptasensor. The developed ratiometric luminescence aptasensor combined the merits of long-lasting luminescence, in situ excitation and autofluorescence-free of PLNP, exogenous interference-free and self-calibration reading of ratiometric sensor, as well as the high selectivity of aptamer, holding great promise for accurate determination of trace AFB1 in complex matrix. The developed ratiometric aptasensor exhibited excellent linearity (0.05–70 ng mL–1), low limit of detection (0.016 ng mL–1), and good precision (2.3% relative standard deviation for 11 replicate determination of 1 ng mL–1 AFB1). The proposed ratiometric aptasensor was successfully applied for the determination of AFB1 in corn, wheat, peanut, millet, oats, and wheat kernels with recoveries of 95.1–106.5%.

Microelectromechanical Microsystems-Supported Photothermal Immunoassay for Point-of-Care Testing of Aflatoxin B1 in Foodstuff

“…Additional evaluation of the two methods was likewise performed using the classical Student t test, and t exp values were found to be less than 2.78 for all test results (Table S1). Last but not the least, a side-by-side comparison of the detection range of the sensor with previous reports found that the sensor had a wide dynamic response range with practicality compared to other efforts. ,− In addition, the sensor was expected to be of maximum utility in POC testing thanks to its freedom from expensive sensing device support and the involvement of well-educated testers.…”

Development of a Matrix Certified Reference Material for Quantification of Aflatoxin B1 in Peanut Oils

“…The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) claims that up to 25% of agricultural products have been contaminated by mycotoxins . Nowadays, food contamination by aflatoxins is one of the significant food safety issues because aflatoxins are known to be potent human carcinogens . Recently, vegetable oils have been of high concern because the occurrence of AFB 1 in oil seeds is frequently reported, and AFB 1 cannot be removed during the manufacturing process. , Up to now, many countries have set the maximum limits for AFB 1 in various foods, including crop seeds, edible oils, cereals, and baby food. − Therefore, the validation and quality assurance of the AFB 1 analysis in various food matrices are of great importance.…”

“…4 Nowadays, food contamination by aflatoxins is one of the significant food safety issues because aflatoxins are known to be potent human carcinogens. 5 Recently, vegetable oils have been of high concern because the occurrence of AFB 1 in oil seeds is frequently reported, and AFB 1 cannot be removed during the manufacturing process. 6,7 Up to now, many countries have set the maximum limits for AFB 1 in various foods, including crop seeds, edible oils, cereals, and baby food.…”

Machine Learning-Mediated Ultrasensitive Detection of Citrinin and Associated Mycotoxins in Real Food Samples Discerned from a Photoluminescent Carbon Dot Barcode Array

“…The current detection strategies for CIT are based on thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) integrated with fluorescence, aptamer-based sensing, enzyme-based immunoassays, , and mass spectrometry. , CIT detection was made possible with maghemite or magnetic nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles using Mossbauer and Raman spectroscopy. , These techniques are time-consuming, expensive, and not readily accessible in rural areas. Moreover, sophisticated instruments are required for such detection strategies.…”