Electrochemiluminescence sensor for point-of-care detection of pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and PA N-oxides are hepatotoxic natural products, produced by over 6000 plant species worldwide. However, an unmet need remains for confirmative measurement of PAs in routine clinical tests. Here, we develop a visual, easy-to-use, and economic mesoporous silica-electrochemiluminescence (MPSECL) sensor for point-of-care (POC) testing of PAs, utilizing MPS's amplification effect on positive ions. The relationship between PAs' different structures and corresponding Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) ECL activity shows that reaction mechanism, stability of intermediate, molecular geometry and alternative anodic reactivity significantly affect the ECL activity. The ECL intensity varies among different PAs: monocrotaline > senecionine N-oxide > retrorsine > senkirkine. The POC sensors possess excellent linearity (0.9993 > R-2 > 0.9944), low detection limits (0.02 mu M-0.07 mu M), and good recoveries (90.12%-105.93%), indicating good accuracy and practicability. The portable and low-cost sensor is user-friendly, which holds promise to be applied to POC testing of PAs in drugs, food products, and clinical samples, which is promising for initial assessments of PA-induced health risk.

Automated summary

In this study, a visual, easy-to-use, and economic sensor was developed for confirmative measurement of PAs in routine clinical tests. The sensor exhibited excellent linearity, low detection limits, and good recoveries, indicating good accuracy and practicability. This portable and low-cost sensor holds promise to be applied to point-of-care testing of PAs in drugs, food products, and clinical samples.