Nanozyme-Based Colorimetric Assay on a Magnetic Microfluidic Platform for Integrated Detection of TTX

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent marine neurotoxin posing risks to food safety and public health.
• Traditional immunoassays for TTX are time-consuming, and existing microfluidic methods lack sufficient signal amplification.
• There is a need for rapid, sensitive, and user-friendly on-site detection methods for TTX.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel nanozyme-catalyzed colorimetric magnetic microfluidic immunosensor (Nano-CMI) for sensitive TTX detection.
• To overcome the limitations of traditional assays and enhance signal amplification in microfluidic platforms.
• To provide a practical and high-sensitivity solution for on-site TTX screening.

Main Methods:

• Development of a magnetic microfluidic chip incorporating an aptamer-antibody sandwich assay.
• Utilized AuNR@Pt@m-SiO2 (APMS) nanozymes for catalytic signal amplification.
• Employed magnetic actuation for simplified sample handling and washing steps.

Main Results:

• The Nano-CMI platform demonstrated sensitive detection of TTX in the range of 0.2 to 20 ng/mL.
• Achieved a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2 ng/mL within 10 minutes for the reaction.
• The entire workflow, from sample capture to detection, was completed within 1 hour.

Conclusions:

• The developed Nano-CMI is a rapid, sensitive, and user-friendly immunosensor for TTX detection.
• Magnetic actuation and nanozyme catalysis significantly enhance assay performance and visual readout.
• This platform offers a practical and robust solution for on-site TTX screening in food safety and customs applications.