Simultaneous Dual-Sensing Platform Based on Aptamer-Functionalized DNA Hydrogels for Visual and Fluorescence...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Chloramphenicol (CAP) and Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) are significant food contaminants.
• Simultaneous detection methods are crucial for comprehensive food safety analysis.
• Existing detection techniques often lack efficiency or specificity for multiple targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel aptamer-functionalized DNA hydrogel for simultaneous detection of CAP and AFM1.
• To investigate the gel-to-sol transition mechanism for visual CAP detection.
• To establish a fluorescence recovery method for AFM1 detection within the hydrogel network.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of DNA hydrogel using acrydite-modified CAP aptamer.
• Utilizing gel-to-sol transition for visual CAP detection (lowest concentration 1.0 nM).
• Employing fluorescence quenching/recovery with FAM/BHQ1-labeled AFM1 aptamer for AFM1 detection (LOD 1.7 nM, LOQ 5.2 nM).

Main Results:

• Successful design of a dual-aptamer functionalized DNA hydrogel.
• Demonstrated simultaneous and visual detection of CAP and AFM1.
• Validated the platform's efficacy in aqueous solutions and milk samples.
• Achieved high selectivity for both analytes due to specific aptamer sequences.

Conclusions:

• The aptamer-functionalized DNA hydrogel provides a reliable and selective platform for simultaneous detection of CAP and AFM1.
• This dual-sensing system shows significant potential for practical food safety monitoring.
• The developed method offers a promising approach for detecting multiple contaminants in complex matrices.