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A simple electrochemical aptasensor for saxitoxin detection
Weixian Zheng1, Xinyu Liu1, Qianwen Li1
1College of Light-Textile Engineering and Art, Anhui Agriculture University Hefei 230009 China zbli@ahau.edu.cn Ljunzhang@ahau.edu.cn.
RSC Advances
|September 12, 2022
Summary
A new electrochemical aptasensor detects saxitoxin (STX) using an anti-STX aptamer and methylene blue. This sensitive and selective biosensor offers a low detection limit for STX, crucial for toxin monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Biosensor Development
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Saxitoxin (STX) is a potent neurotoxin requiring sensitive detection methods.
- Existing detection methods may lack selectivity or sensitivity.
- Electrochemical aptasensors offer a promising platform for toxin analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple and effective electrochemical aptasensor for saxitoxin detection.
- To utilize an anti-STX aptamer immobilized on a gold electrode for STX recognition.
- To incorporate methylene blue (MB) for enhanced electrochemical signaling.
Main Methods:
- Immobilization of an anti-STX aptamer with a 3'-end methylene blue (MB) on a gold electrode surface.
- Electrochemical detection of saxitoxin (STX) by measuring peak current changes.
- Evaluation of sensor performance including sensitivity, selectivity, and detection limit.
Main Results:
- The developed aptasensor demonstrated high sensitivity with a peak current change of 2.92 μA per decade for STX concentrations from 1 nM to 1 μM.
- A low detection limit of 1 nM for STX was achieved.
- The aptasensor exhibited excellent selectivity, with no interference from neo-STX, okadaic acid, or common metal ions.
Conclusions:
- A simple, highly selective, and sensitive electrochemical aptasensor for saxitoxin detection was successfully developed.
- The aptasensor leverages the specific binding of aptamers and the electrocatalytic properties of methylene blue.
- The principle can be extended to construct other aptasensors for diverse analyte detection.
