A versatile Y shaped DNA nanostructure for simple, rapid and one-step detection of mycotoxins

A versatile Y shaped DNA nanostructure has been developed for simple, rapid and one-step simultaneous detection aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA). Y shaped duplex DNA arms was formed with two DNA tweezer at the ends. The aptamer sequence at the third end can bind to its target mycotoxins with strong affinity and then release the two DNA fragments. The released DNA fragments can open the DNA tweezers at the ends of Y shaped DNA arm. The amounts of AFB1 and OTA can be quantitative detection through the recovery of the fluorescent intensities. This strategy is simple and rapid with self-powered DNA hybridization reaction to control the open of Y shaped DNA tweezers. Furthermore, it can be finished in 60 min with only one-step of operation. The linear range of AFB1 was from 0.5 to 200 ng/mL (R-2 = 0.995) and linear relationship of OTA was obtained from 4 to 300 ng/mL (R-2 = 0.990). It also has been successfully applied for mycotoxins detection in real food samples. Importantly, the target mycotoxins can be extended to others by simply replacing the corresponding aptamer sequences.

Automated summary

A versatile Y shaped DNA nanostructure has been developed for simultaneous detection of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A. The method is simple and rapid, utilizing self-powered DNA hybridization reaction to control the opening of DNA tweezers, allowing for quantitative detection of target mycotoxins.