Visible Light-Assisted Detection of Furazolidone Using a Ag@Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticle-Based Electrochemical Sensor

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Nanomaterials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Safety

Background:

• Furazolidone (FZD) is a widely used antibiotic with potential health risks, necessitating sensitive detection methods.
• Existing detection methods for FZD may lack sensitivity, speed, or on-site applicability.
• Magnetoplasmonic nanoparticles offer unique optical and magnetic properties for sensor development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a visible light-enhanced electrochemical sensor for sensitive and rapid detection of furazolidone (FZD).
• To investigate the synergistic mechanisms responsible for the enhanced performance under visible light irradiation.
• To evaluate the sensor's applicability for FZD determination in real-world samples, such as milk.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with magnetoplasmonic Ag@Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MagPlas NPs).
• Electrochemical analysis of FZD using the modified SPE under visible light irradiation and in its absence.
• Characterization of sensor performance, including sensitivity, limit of detection (LOD), repeatability, and anti-interference ability.

Main Results:

• Visible light irradiation significantly enhanced the electrochemical sensor's sensitivity towards FZD detection.
• The sensor achieved a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.477 μM with visible light, indicating high sensitivity.
• The enhanced performance is attributed to photosensitization, improved electron transfer, and increased adsorption capacity.

Conclusions:

• The visible light-enhanced electrochemical sensor based on MagPlas NPs provides a rapid, sensitive, and reliable method for FZD detection.
• The synergistic effects under visible light irradiation are crucial for the sensor's superior performance.
• The developed sensor demonstrates practical utility for monitoring FZD levels in food products like milk.