Highly Efficient and Selective Biosensing of Malathion Utilizing Bioengineered Nanoplatform Based on Fe₃O₄

Area of Science:

• Nanobiotechnology
• Biosensor Development
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Nanobioengineered platforms offer unique surface properties for advanced biosensing applications.
• Developing sensitive and selective methods for pesticide detection is crucial for environmental and food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and validate a nanobioengineered biosensor for the selective and sensitive detection of malathion pesticides.
• To utilize biogenically synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) for enhanced biosensor performance.

Main Methods:

• Biogenic synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles.
• Electrophoretic deposition of Fe3O4 NPs onto screen-printed electrodes (SPEs).
• Immobilization of choline oxidase (ChO) to create ChO-Fe3O4 NPs/SPE nanobioengineered electrodes.

Main Results:

• The developed biosensor demonstrated high sensitivity (1.79 μM detection limit, 98.3 μA μM⁻¹cm⁻²) and selectivity for malathion.
• Performance was governed by diffusion layer dynamics, enabling detection across a broad linear range (1-200 μM).
• Real-sample analysis in spiked soil samples showed high recovery rates (93.9%–98.4%), confirming practical reliability.

Conclusions:

• The nanobioengineered biosensor provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach for rapid malathion quantification.
• Biogenic nanomaterials show significant potential for developing advanced pesticide sensors.
• This technology contributes to safer environmental practices and improved food quality monitoring.