A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical cellular sensor for DON detection

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Biosensors
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a prevalent mycotoxin found in food, posing significant health risks.
• Accurate and rapid detection methods for DON are crucial for ensuring food safety and public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical cell sensor for ultrasensitive DON detection.
• To establish a new method for rapid mycotoxin analysis in food samples.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a molecularly imprinted polymer film on screen-printed electrodes using o-phenylenediamine and Caspase-3 via electropolymerization.
• Integrated the sensor into a three-electrode system and utilized differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for detection.
• Investigated the specific binding of released Caspase-3 to imprinted cavities upon DON exposure, altering electrochemical signals.

Main Results:

• Achieved ultrasensitive detection of DON with a linear relationship between peak current and DON concentration from 0.2 to 100 pg/mL.
• Determined a low detection limit of 0.193 pg/mL (R² = 0.9977).
• Demonstrated the sensor's specificity through the interaction of released Caspase-3 with imprinted cavities.

Conclusions:

• The developed molecularly imprinted electrochemical cell sensor provides a highly sensitive and rapid method for DON detection.
• This work expands the application of molecular imprinting techniques in the field of mycotoxin analysis.
• The sensor shows potential for practical application in food safety monitoring.