A target-induced amperometic aptasensor for sensitive zearalenone detection by CS@AB-MWCNTs nanocomposite as enhancers

Abstract

In this research, a novel signal-on aptasensor for highly sensitive detection of zearalenone (ZEN) was reported based on target-induced amplification strategy. Specifically, chitosan functionalized acetylene black and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CS@AB-MWCNTs) nanocomposite with large specific surface area and excellent conductivity was synthesized and served as the sensing platform. In addition, carboxylated graphene oxide-labeled ZEN binding aptamer (CGO-ZBA) would specifically recognized with ZEN to detach from the electrode, allowing the electrochemical signal of [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− increased more obviously. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed aptasensor exhibited exceptional detection performances for ZEN with a linear range from 10 fg mL−1 to 1 ng mL−1 and a low limit of detection of 3.64 fg mL−1. Given its great sensitivity, excellent selectivity, satisfactory stability and reproducibility, this method would provide a promising application for ZEN and other biomolecules by replacing the corresponding nucleicacidsequences.