DNA-AgNPs@Hydrogel microneedle-based flexible biosensor for rapid detection of thiram

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biosensing Technology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Thiram, a dithiocarbamate pesticide, is crucial for crop protection but poses health risks due to residues.
• Conventional detection methods for thiram are complex and unsuitable for field use.
• There is a need for portable, rapid, and sensitive sensors for on-site pesticide detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a flexible fluorescent hydrogel microneedle biosensor for the in-situ detection of thiram.
• To create a non-destructive, real-time sensing platform for biological surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a flexible fluorescent hydrogel microneedle biosensor (PAAP) using polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel and DNA-silver nanoparticles (DNA-AgNPs).
• Utilizing the fluorescence quenching effect of the hydrogel upon thiram exposure for detection.
• Assessing mechanical flexibility, biocompatibility, environmental stability, and anti-interference capabilities.

Main Results:

• The PAAP biosensor achieved a low detection limit of 6.57 nM for thiram.
• Demonstrated excellent mechanical flexibility, biocompatibility, and stability for conformal contact with biological surfaces.
• Showcased strong anti-interference properties and adaptability for field applications in various configurations.

Conclusions:

• The developed biosensor offers a novel and practical solution for in-situ and field-deployable pesticide detection.
• The integration of fluorescent DNA-AgNPs and hydrogel architecture enables non-destructive, real-time analysis.
• This technology shows significant potential for food quality control, environmental monitoring, and public health protection.