Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2025
06:42
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Antibacterial Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Overcoming Antibiotic Resistance
Published on: September 27, 2024
2.2K
Copper Oxide Nanoparticle-Based Immunosensor for Zearalenone Analysis by Combining Automated Sample Pre-Processing
Zhihong Xuan1, Yanxiang Wu1, Hongmei Liu1
1Academy of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, No.11 Baiwanzhuang Str, Xicheng District, Beijing 100037, China.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 13, 2021
Summary
A new fluorescence detection method uses copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) to amplify signals for rapid zearalenone (ZEN) testing. This automated assay offers accurate and efficient screening for ZEN contamination in food samples.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Zearalenone (ZEN) is a common mycotoxin that poses risks to human and animal health.
- Accurate and rapid detection methods for ZEN are crucial for ensuring food safety.
- Existing detection methods can be time-consuming or lack high-throughput capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, high-throughput, and sensitive fluorescence detection method for zearalenone (ZEN).
- To utilize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) for signal amplification in an immunosensor.
- To establish an automated system for sample pretreatment and signal conversion for ZEN detection.
Main Methods:
- Development of a CuO nanoparticle-based immunosensor by immobilizing anti-ZEN antibodies onto CuO NPs.
- Implementation of an automated system for sample pretreatment and signal conversion.
- Indirect detection of ZEN by measuring released Cu2+ ions using a fluorescence assay with a tripeptide molecule.
- Utilizing a multifunctional microporous plate detector for fluorescence measurements.
Main Results:
- A good linear relationship was observed between fluorescence signal and ZEN concentration (16.0–1600.0 μg/kg).
- High accuracy was achieved with a recovery yield of 99.2–104.9%.
- Results were concordant with those obtained using LC-MS/MS, indicating excellent specificity and reliability.
Conclusions:
- The developed CuO NP-assisted immunosensor provides a powerful and efficient tool for ZEN detection.
- The automated system enables rapid and high-throughput screening of ZEN contamination.
- The assay methodology can be adapted for the detection of other mycotoxins, broadening its applicability in food safety analysis.
