Integrating target-responsive microfluidic-based biosensing chip with smartphone for simultaneous quantification of...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Fluoroquinolone (FQs) antibiotic residues pose risks to human health and ecosystems.
• Sensitive and rapid detection methods for FQs are crucial for monitoring food and environmental safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, efficient, and portable biosensing chip for simultaneous detection of FQs.
• To integrate upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), aptamers (Apt), and graphene oxide (GO) for enhanced sensing.
• To utilize laser-printing technology for easy fabrication of microfluidic channels.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a microfluidic-based fluorescence biosensing chip (MFBC) using laser-printing.
• Preparation of UCNPs-Apt-GO complexes for target-responsive fluorescence probes.
• Self-assembly of probes based on π-π stacking interactions for multiplexed detection.
• Integration of the MFBC with a smartphone for field analysis.

Main Results:

• The MFBC demonstrated multiplexed, automated, and simultaneous sensing capabilities for FQs.
• Achieved low detection limits: 1.84 ng/mL for enrofloxacin and 2.22 ng/mL for ciprofloxacin.
• The biosensing chip is simple to prepare, requiring no complex procedures or specialized equipment.
• A portable device was created by integrating the MFBC with a smartphone.

Conclusions:

• The developed MFBC offers a user-friendly and efficient platform for FQ detection.
• The biosensing chip has significant potential for on-site and large-scale screening of FQs in food and environmental samples.
• This technology contributes to improved monitoring of antibiotic residues and safeguarding public health and ecosystems.