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Published on: February 28, 2015
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Paper-based colorimetric sensor for histamine detection using dopamine-functionalized, size-varied gold
Rolen Brian P Rivera1,2, Ryan M Lumod3, Romnick B Unabia4
1Research Center for Energy Efficient Materials (RCEEM), Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics (PRISM), Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, 9200, Philippines. rolenbrian.rivera@g.msuiit.edu.ph.
Scientific Reports
|October 16, 2025
Summary
A new paper-based sensor using gold nanoparticles detects histamine, a marker of food spoilage. This rapid, selective method offers a promising tool for ensuring food safety and quality control.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Food Science
Background:
- Histamine, a biogenic amine, is linked to allergic reactions and foodborne illnesses from spoiled food.
- Accurate histamine detection is crucial for food safety standards and quality assurance.
- Existing detection methods may lack speed, selectivity, or cost-effectiveness for widespread application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an innovative paper-based colorimetric sensor for rapid and selective histamine detection.
- To investigate the effect of gold nanoparticle size on sensor performance.
- To establish the sensor's detection limit, linear range, and response time.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized dopamine-conjugated gold nanoparticles (DCt-AuNPs) of varying sizes (13-39 nm).
- Immobilized DCt-AuNPs onto filter paper to create paper-based sensors.
- Monitored colorimetric changes and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) shifts upon histamine interaction.
- Evaluated sensor performance including detection limit, linear range, selectivity, and response time.
Main Results:
- DCt-AuNPs exhibited size-dependent LSPR peaks and optical properties.
- Histamine induced DCt-AuNP aggregation, causing a color change from red to blue.
- The 15 nm DCt-AuNP sensor showed a low detection limit (2.38 µM) and a linear range of 20-70 ppm.
- The sensor achieved rapid detection (<1 min) with high selectivity for histamine.
Conclusions:
- The developed paper-based colorimetric sensor offers a sensitive, rapid, and selective method for histamine detection.
- The sensor's performance is significantly influenced by the size of the DCt-AuNPs.
- This technology holds potential for practical applications in food safety monitoring and quality control.
