A SERS/LSPR Dual-Signal Aptamer Sensor for Abscisic Acid Detection Based on Unmodified Gold Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Abscisic acid (ABA) is a crucial plant hormone regulating crop growth and development.
• Existing detection methods for ABA, like SERS, often require complex and time-consuming modifications of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, sensitive, and reliable dual-signal aptasensor for ABA detection.
• To overcome the limitations of traditional SERS methods for ABA analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a SERS and LSPR dual-signal aptasensor using aptamer (Apt)-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and crystal violet (CV).
• Utilized salt-induced aggregation of AuNPs to enhance plasmonic coupling and signal amplification.
• Employed specific aptamer-target recognition for ABA detection.

Main Results:

• Established quantitative relationships between ABA concentration and SERS intensity of CV, and LSPR absorbance changes.
• Achieved a SERS linear detection range of 0.04–40 µM with an LOD of 17.6 nM.
• Achieved an LSPR linear detection range of 0.4–80 µM with an LOD of 36 nM.
• Demonstrated successful ABA detection in cucumber and tomato samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed aptasensor provides a sensitive and reliable platform for ABA detection without chemical bond modification.
• This method offers a universal detection platform for plant hormones with improved efficiency.
• The dual-signal approach enhances detection accuracy and reliability for agricultural applications.