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Self-Responsive Fluorescence Aptasensor for Lactoferrin Determination in Dairy Products.
Hao Liu1, Xibao Gao1, Hongwei Qin2,3
1Department of Physical and Chemical Inspection, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 13, 2024
Summary
A new fluorescence aptasensor detects lactoferrin (Lf) in dairy products. This self-responsive sensor uses aptamers for specific binding and signal reporting, enabling accurate, cost-efficient, point-of-need analysis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biosensing
Background:
- Lactoferrin (Lf) is a key protein in dairy products with significant health implications.
- Accurate and rapid detection of Lf is crucial for quality control in the dairy industry.
- Existing detection methods can be complex and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a self-responsive fluorescence aptasensor for the determination of lactoferrin (Lf).
- To utilize aptamers as both recognition elements and signal reporters for Lf detection.
- To provide a user-friendly and cost-efficient platform for point-of-need dairy analysis.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a self-responsive fluorescence aptasensor using aptamers and a fluorescent moiety.
- Exploitation of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) for signal generation upon Lf binding.
- Optimization of sensor conditions and validation using standard solutions and spiked dairy samples.
Main Results:
- The aptasensor demonstrated specific and high-affinity binding to lactoferrin.
- A turn-off fluorescence signal was observed due to FRET quenching upon Lf complex formation.
- Good linearity (R² > 0.99) was achieved for Lf concentrations between 2-10 μg/mL.
- Low detection limits of 0.68 μg/mL (standard) and 0.46 μg/mL (spiked) were obtained.
- Reliable recoveries (89.5-104.3%) were achieved in commercial dairy samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed fluorescence aptasensor is effective for sensitive and accurate lactoferrin determination.
- The sensor offers a user-friendly, cost-efficient, and promising alternative for point-of-need dairy analysis.
- This approach provides a valuable tool for ensuring dairy product quality and safety.
