A novel framework-targeted affinity-based sandwich photoelectrochemical sensor for trace acrylamide determination

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Acrylamide (AAm) is a carcinogenic compound found in processed foods, posing significant health risks.
• Current detection methods for AAm often lack the sensitivity required for comprehensive food safety monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor for ultra-sensitive detection of acrylamide.
• To utilize a framework-targeted affinity strategy for enhanced AAm capture and signal transduction.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a metal-coordinated porphyrin-based covalent organic framework (TT-Por(Co)-COF) as a capture layer.
• Integration of thiophene units for improved charge transport and selective AAm adsorption.
• Signal amplification using CdTe quantum dots (QDs) functionalized with an AAm-specific aptamer.

Main Results:

• The sensor demonstrated selective adsorption of AAm via hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces with thiophene units.
• AAm binding induced QD accumulation, leading to significant photocurrent enhancement for precise quantification.
• Achieved a wide linear range (1 pM to 1000 nM) and a low detection limit of 0.19 pM (3σ/S, n=11).

Conclusions:

• The developed PEC sensor provides a highly sensitive and reliable method for acrylamide detection.
• This technology offers a promising solution for real-time monitoring of acrylamide in food safety applications.