Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026
08:06
The Use of a β-lactamase-based Conductimetric Biosensor Assay to Detect Biomolecular Interactions
Published on: February 1, 2018
7.7K
Persistent Luminescence-Based Competitive Enzyme Biosensor for Ultrasensitive and Selective Detection of
Qin Xu1,2,3, Xu Zhao1,2,3, Li-Jian Chen1,2,3
1Institute of Analytical Food Safety, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|April 24, 2026
Summary
A new biosensor detects beta-Hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) using persistent luminescence, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. This sensitive and selective approach offers accurate environmental and health risk assessment for β-HCH contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Beta-Hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) is a persistent pesticide residue with significant environmental and health risks.
- Sensitive and specific detection of β-HCH is crucial for risk assessment.
- Conventional optical detection methods suffer from autofluorescence and matrix interferences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly sensitive and selective persistent luminescence-based competitive enzyme biosensor for β-HCH detection.
- To overcome the limitations of conventional optical methods in complex sample matrices.
Main Methods:
- A novel conjugate (ZGOM@L) was synthesized using carboxylated HaloTag ligand grafted onto amino-functionalized persistent luminescence nanoparticles (Mn2+-doped Zn2GeO4).
- A competitive enzyme assay utilizing the dehalogenase LinB was designed, where ZGOM@L acts as both optical reporter and competing substrate.
- The assay relies on the preferential consumption of LinB by β-HCH, sparing ZGOM@L for conjugation and signal generation.
Main Results:
- The biosensor demonstrated high sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.02 ng mL−1 for β-HCH.
- Quantitative recoveries (88.0% to 105.3%) were achieved in vegetable samples, indicating effective matrix handling.
- The persistent luminescence signal increased proportionally to β-HCH concentration, confirming the assay principle.
Conclusions:
- The developed biosensor provides a robust, autofluorescence-free platform for sensitive and selective β-HCH detection.
- This work presents a generalizable strategy for monitoring trace haloalkanes in complex environmental and food samples.
- The persistent luminescence approach offers a promising alternative to conventional methods for contaminant analysis.
