Nanozyme and aptamer- based immunosorbent assay for aflatoxin B1

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has limitations in sensitivity and stability.
• Enzyme-labeled antibodies used in ELISA are difficult to prepare and purify.
• Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a hazardous substance requiring sensitive detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel nanozyme and aptamer-based immunosorbent assay (NAISA) for sensitive and simple detection of AFB1.
• To overcome the limitations of traditional and enhanced ELISA methods for AFB1 detection.
• To utilize nanozymes, aptamers, and magnetic nanoparticles for improved assay performance.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of mesoporous SiO2/Au-Pt (m-SAP) as a nanozyme with high catalase-like activity.
• Utilization of aptamers for specific recognition of AFB1.
• Employing Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) for magnetic separation.
• Comparison of NAISA with traditional ELISA (t-ELISA) and enhanced ELISA (e-ELISA) for AFB1 detection.

Main Results:

• NAISA achieved a significantly lower limit of detection (LOD) of 5 pg mL-1 for AFB1.
• NAISA demonstrated 600-fold and 12-fold improvements in LOD compared to t-ELISA and e-ELISA, respectively.
• The NAISA method showed selectivity in identifying AFB1 among various interfering substances.

Conclusions:

• NAISA offers a highly sensitive, selective, and simple method for AFB1 detection.
• The developed NAISA platform overcomes the limitations of conventional ELISA techniques.
• This method holds significant potential for screening hazardous materials and ensuring food safety.