A SERS-Fluorescence dual-signal aptasensor for sensitive and robust determination of AFB1 in nut samples based on Apt-Cy5 and MNP@Ag-PEI

Food aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination greatly threatens human health and its sensitive determination is imperative. In this study, a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and fluorescence dual-signal aptasensor was constructed for sensitive AFB1 detection in peanuts, walnuts, and almonds samples. Fluorescent dye cy5 was used as fluorophore and Raman reporter, while polyethyleneimine modified Ag coating magnetic nanoparticles (MNP@Ag-PEI) were utilized to absorb the cy5 modified aptamer (apt-cy5). Results indicated that linear ranges of 0.001-1000 ng/mL and 0.2-20,000 ng/mL with detection limits of 0.45 pg/mL and 0.135 ng/mL for the SERS and fluorescence methods were obtained, respectively, and AFB1 detection in the nut samples using the aptasensor achieved satisfactory recoveries of 95.2%-108.6% for SERS and 94.7%-109.7% for fluorescence. Compared with other mono signal detection, the established aptasensor facilely fused the merits of the two signals and improved the detection accuracy and flexibility.

Automated summary

In this study, a dual-signal aptasensor combining surface-enhanced Raman scattering and fluorescence signals was developed for sensitive detection of AFB1 contamination in nut samples. The aptasensor showed satisfactory linear ranges and detection limits for both SERS and fluorescence methods, and achieved high recovery rates in the nut samples.