Bimetallic molecularly imprinted nanozyme: Dual-mode detection platform

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Development of highly efficient nanozymes for sensitive analyte detection.
• Exploration of bimetallic active sites to enhance catalytic activity.
• Need for dual-mode sensing platforms for improved accuracy and reliability.

Purpose of the Study:

• Synthesize a bimetallic nanozyme (MIL-101(Co,Fe)@MIP) with enhanced peroxidase-like activity.
• Develop a ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric dual-mode detection method for vanillin.
• Evaluate the selectivity, sensitivity, and applicability of the developed method in real samples.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of MIL-101(Co,Fe)@MIP using molecular imprinting techniques.
• Characterization of the nanozyme's structure and properties.
• Establishment of ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric assays for vanillin detection.
• Validation of the method using real food samples (ice cream, candy).

Main Results:

• The bimetallic nanozyme exhibited significantly enhanced peroxidase-like activity compared to monometallic counterparts.
• A dual-mode detection strategy for vanillin was successfully implemented with low limits of detection (104 nM for fluorescence, 198 nM for colorimetric).
• The method demonstrated high selectivity and accuracy, with recoveries ranging from 93.3% to 105.5% in real samples.
• The nanozyme platform showed potential for detecting other analytes like glucocorticoids (dexamethasone, prednisone).

Conclusions:

• MIL-101(Co,Fe)@MIP serves as an effective nanozyme for sensitive and selective vanillin detection.
• The developed dual-mode sensing platform offers a robust analytical tool for complex matrices.
• This nanozyme-based approach holds promise for broader applications in chemical sensing and diagnostics.