Rapid colorimetric sensor for ultrasensitive and highly selective detection of Fumonisin B1 in cereal based on laccase-mimicking activity of silver phosphate nanoparticles

Ag3PO4 nanoparticles (NPs) was prepared through a facile coprecipitation method, and was first found to have excellent laccase-mimicking catalytic activity. The study confirms that Fumonisin B1 (FB1) can effectively hinder the production of superoxide anion (O2 & BULL;- ) between Ag3PO4 NPs and dissolved oxygen, and further inhibit laccasemimicking activity of Ag3PO4 NPs. Thus, a novel rapid colorimetric sensor for FB1 analysis in cereal was first established using laccase-mimicking activity as sensing signal. The absorbance variation of sensing solution is directly related to the amount of FB1, and the color change is further combined with smartphone for quantitively analysis of FB1. The limit of detection (LOD) of the sensor is determined as low as 1.73 & mu;g & BULL;L-1, which is far lower than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of FB1 set by European Commission and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The average recovery of 87.8-104.5% for FB1 detection was obtained in cereal.

Automated summary

Ag3PO4 nanoparticles were synthesized and exhibited excellent laccase-mimicking catalytic activity. Fumonisin B1 was found to inhibit the laccase-mimicking activity of Ag3PO4 nanoparticles. A novel colorimetric sensor for FB1 analysis in cereals was developed using the laccase-mimicking activity as a sensing signal, which allowed quantitative analysis of FB1 using a smartphone. The sensor showed a low limit of detection (LOD) of 1.73 μg/L, below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by regulatory authorities.