Biosensor based on antifouling PEG/Gold nanoparticles composite for sensitive detection of aflatoxin M1 in milk

Detection of ultra-trace amounts of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is an important requirement for food safety since it is a toxic mycotoxin, present in cow milk, with strictly regulated low levels. To achieve detection of low levels of AFM1, we developed a new nanometric aptasensing platform based on the modified SPCE, which was decorated with AuNPs, a tetraethylene glycol ferrocene derivative and an anti-AFM1 aptamer. The ferrocene tethered to AuNPs served as a capacitance transducer contributing to an interfacial charge. The capacitive signal was used to quantify the toxin. This study revealed a good sensitivity toward the toxin with a dynamic range of 20 to 300 pg?mL-1 and a LOD as low as 7.14 pg?mL-1 (S/N = 3). The nanoaptosensor exhibits very good metrological performances. To evaluate the sensing platform, the latter was applied to detect the presence of AFM1 in pasteurized cow milk.

Automated summary

A new nanometric aptasensing platform was developed for detecting aflatoxin M1 in milk, showing good sensitivity, low LOD, and good metrological performances. The platform was applied to detect AFM1 in pasteurized cow milk with promising results.