Exploring the Use of a Lipopeptide in Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine Monolayers for Enhanced Detection of Glyphosate in Aqueous Environments

Priscila S Ferreira ¹, Barbara B Gerbelli ¹, Ana C H Castro-Kochi ¹

⁰Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09210-580, Brazil.

Langmuir : the Acs Journal of Surfaces and Colloids +

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June 22, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Researchers developed a novel lipopeptide biosensor for detecting glyphosate, a common pesticide. This sensitive electrochemical method achieves a low detection limit, offering a significant advancement for environmental monitoring of pesticide contamination in food and water.

Area Of Science

Environmental Science
Analytical Chemistry
Biotechnology

Background

Increasing pesticide use in agriculture necessitates advanced detection methods for environmental and food safety.
Existing analytical methods for pesticides like glyphosate often lack the required sensitivity for trace detection.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop a highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor for detecting glyphosate in environmental samples.
To utilize a novel SPRWG-(C18H37) lipopeptide (LP) as a functional analog of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) for enhanced glyphosate detection.

Main Methods

Fabrication of a phosphatidylcholine (PC) monolayer incorporating a novel lipopeptide (LP) on an indium tin oxide (ITO) surface.
Characterization of LP-modified monolayers using Langmuir adsorption isotherms, Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
Electrochemical detection of glyphosate (PNG) using the developed biosensor, supported by in silico molecular dynamics simulations (MD).

Main Results

The lipopeptide (LP) significantly altered monolayer properties, reducing molecular area and peak pressure, indicating a more flexible system.
SAXS, AFM, and MD simulations confirmed the LP's structural impact and interaction with glyphosate (PNG).
The electrochemical biosensor achieved a low glyphosate detection limit (LOD) of 24 nmol L⁻¹, significantly lower than colorimetric methods (0.3 μmol L⁻¹).

Conclusions

The novel lipopeptide-based electrochemical biosensor demonstrates high sensitivity and effectiveness for glyphosate detection.
The enhanced sensitivity is attributed to the structural modifications induced by the lipopeptide, particularly the addition of a polar residue.
This approach offers a promising tool for sensitive and reliable monitoring of pesticide contamination in environmental and food samples.