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Design and Development of Aptamer–Gold Nanoparticle Based Colorimetric Assays for In-the-field Applications
Published on: June 23, 2016
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Ultrasensitive aptamer biosensor for malathion detection based on cationic polymer and gold nanoparticles
Rajni Bala1, Munish Kumar1, Kavita Bansal2
1Department of Chemistry & Centre of Advanced Studies in Chemistry, Panjab University, Sector-14, Chandigarh 160014, India.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|May 22, 2016
Summary
We developed a simple, rapid biosensor for detecting the organophosphorus pesticide malathion using gold nanoparticles and an aptamer. The sensor changes color, enabling easy visual detection of malathion in samples.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Organophosphorus pesticides, like malathion, pose significant environmental and health risks.
- Accurate and rapid detection methods for pesticides are crucial for food safety and environmental monitoring.
- Existing detection methods can be complex, time-consuming, and require specialized equipment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, simple, and cost-effective sensing strategy for detecting malathion.
- To utilize gold nanoparticles and aptamers for a colorimetric pesticide detection system.
- To achieve high sensitivity and selectivity in malathion detection.
Main Methods:
- Employed unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and a specific aptamer for malathion recognition.
- Incorporated Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA), a positively charged polyelectrolyte, to stabilize AuNPs.
- Observed color change from red to blue upon malathion binding, indicating successful detection.
Main Results:
- The sensing strategy demonstrated a color change from red to blue in the presence of malathion.
- The method exhibited linearity in the concentration range of 0.5–1000 pM.
- Achieved a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.06 pM for malathion.
- The assay showed high selectivity, accurately detecting malathion among interfering substances.
Conclusions:
- A novel, rapid, and visual sensing strategy for malathion detection was successfully developed.
- The biosensor is simple, cost-effective, and does not require expensive equipment or trained personnel.
- The proposed method shows potential for real-world applications in rapid screening of malathion in various samples.
