A surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensor for the detection of benzo[a] pyrene in foods based on a gold nanostars@reduced graphene oxide substrate

In this study, a simple and sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor based on gold nano-stars@reduced graphene oxide (AuNS@rGO) was successfully developed for the detection of benzo[a]pyrene in foods. The detection strategy involved benzo[a]pyrene adsorption on reduced graphene oxide, followed SERS detection of adsorbed molecules. Owing to the large electric fields generated by the gold nanostars under laser irradiation, which greatly amplified the Raman signals of benzo[a]pyrene, very high sensitivity for the target analyte was achieved. Under optimized conditions, the SERS sensor exhibited a wide linear detection range for benzo[a]pyrene (from 0.1 mu g L-1 to 10000 mu g L-1), with a low limit of detection of 0.0028 mu g L-1. Chicken samples spiked with benzo[a]pyrene were assayed using the sensor, with recoveries ranging from 89.20% to 100.80%. The benzo[a]pyrene content in roasted mutton sample was quantified using the SERS sensor and a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method, with similar results being obtained.

Automated summary

A simple and sensitive SERS sensor based on gold nano-stars@reduced graphene oxide (AuNS@rGO) was developed for the detection of benzo[a]pyrene in foods. Benzo[a]pyrene was adsorbed on reduced graphene oxide and detected using SERS, with the large electric fields generated by the gold nanostars greatly amplifying the Raman signals. The SERS sensor exhibited a wide linear detection range and a low limit of detection. Chicken samples spiked with benzo[a]pyrene were successfully assayed using the sensor.