An ultrasensitive CH3NH3PbBr3 quantum dots@SiO2-based electrochemiluminescence sensing platform using an organic electrolyte for aflatoxin B1 detection in corn oil

Mycotoxins contamination, especially aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in edible oils, is a health hazard. Therefore, AFB1 trace analysis methods are urgently needed. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a popular sensing method because of its low background interference and high sensitivity. However, existing ECL assays for AFB1 detection are based on aqueous rather than oil systems. Herein, we report a CH3NH3PbBr3 quantum dots (MAPB QDs) @SiO2-based ECL sensor for AFB1 quantification in corn oil using an organic electrolyte. The luminophore loading and stability of the MAPB QDs@SiO2 particles were significantly improved compared to those of bulky MAPB materials, resulting in an enhanced ECL response. Further, exploiting molecular imprinting technology, an ECL sensor for AFB1 detection with an ultra-low detection limit of 8.5 fg/mL was prepared. The reliability of the sensor was confirmed by comparable recoveries of corn oil samples with those obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography, indicating its potential for food safety evaluation.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel ECL sensor based on MAPB QDs@SiO2 was developed for the quantification of AFB1 in corn oil. The sensor exhibited an ultra-low detection limit and excellent stability, showing great potential as a tool for food safety evaluation.