Dual-functional probe-based multi-signal immunosensor platform for tropane alkaloids: Verification and evaluation

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Tropane alkaloids (TAs) are toxic compounds that can contaminate food products.
• Accurate and rapid detection methods are crucial for ensuring food safety and preventing public health risks.
• Existing detection methods can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, rapid, and sensitive immunosensor for the detection of tropane alkaloids (TAs) in food matrices.
• To construct an antibody-enzyme complex (AEC) with both antigen recognition and catalytic activity for enhanced detection.
• To evaluate the performance of the developed immunosensor platform for practical food safety applications.

Main Methods:

• Fusion of a broad-spectrum single-chain fragment variable with horseradish peroxidase to create an antibody-enzyme complex (AEC).
• Construction of a multi-signal immunosensor platform utilizing the AEC in a direct competitive reaction mode.
• Employment of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine and 10-acetyl-3,7-dihydroxyphenoxazine as substrates for signal generation.

Main Results:

• The immunosensor platform demonstrated a broad sensitivity range for TAs from 0.25 μg/kg to 7912.46 μg/kg.
• In honey samples, the limit of detection for TAs ranged from 0.02 μg/kg to 409.11 μg/kg.
• The method achieved satisfactory recovery rates (65.7%-117.1%) and precision (coefficient of variation < 21.4%).

Conclusions:

• The developed immunosensor platform exhibits high accuracy and precision for tropane alkaloid detection in food.
• This technology holds significant potential for the rapid screening of TAs in various food products.
• The immunosensor serves as a valuable tool for ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance.