Label-free and highly sensitive detection of aflatoxin B₁ by Ag IANPs via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), a pernicious constituent of the aflatoxin family, predominantly contaminates cereals, oils, and their derivatives. Acknowledged as a Class I carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO), the expeditious and quantitative discernment of AFB₁ remains imperative. This investigation delineates that aluminum ions can precipitate the coalescence of iodine-modified silver nanoparticles, thereby engendering hot spots conducive for label-free AFB₁ identification via Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). This methodology manifests a remarkable limit of detection (LOD) at 0.47 fg/mL, surpassing the sensitivity thresholds of conventional survey techniques. Moreover, this method has good anti-interference ability, with a relative error of less than 10% and a relative standard deviation of less than 6% in quantitative results. Collectively, these findings illuminate the substantial application potential and viability of this approach in the quantitative analysis of AFB₁, underpinning a significant advancement in food safety diagnostics.