Electrochemiluminescence biosensor for determination of lead(II) ions using signal amplification by Au@SiO2 and tripropylamine-endonuclease assisted cycling process

MXene@Au as the base and Au@SiO2 as signal amplification factor were used for constructing an ultrasensitive on-off electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor for the detection of Pb2+ in water. The use of MXene@Au composite provided a good interface environment for the loading of tris(2,2-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)) on the electrode. Based on resonance energy transfer, the Au (core) SiO2 (shell) (Au@SiO2) nanoparticles stimulate electron transport and promote tripropylamine (TPrA) oxidation. The luminescence effect of Au@SiO2 was five times that of AuNPs and SiO2 nanomaterials alone, and the ECL intensity was greatly improved. In addition, Pb2+ activated the aptamer to exert its endonuclease activity, which realized the signal cycle amplification in the process of Pb2+ detection. When Pb2+ was added, the ECL signal weakened, and the Pb2+ concentration was detected according to the decreased ECL intensity. Under optimized experimental conditions, this aptamer sensor for Pb2+ has a wide detection range (0.1 to 1 x 10(6) ng L-1) and a low detection limit (0.059 ng L-1). The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the sensor is 0.39-0.99%, and the recovery of spiked standard is between 90.00 and 125.70%. The sensor shows good selectivity and high sensitivity in actual water sample analysis. This signal amplification strategy possibly provides a new method for the detection of other heavy metal ions and small molecules.

Automated summary

In this study, an ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor was constructed using MXene@Au as the base and Au@SiO2 as the signal amplification factor for the detection of Pb2+ in water. The sensor exhibited a wide detection range and a low detection limit, as well as good selectivity and high sensitivity in actual water sample analysis.