Detection Of Pesticides Research Articles

Plasmonic metal NP-bismuth composite film with amplified SERS activity for multiple detection of pesticides and veterinary drugs

Plasmonic metal NP-bismuth composite film with amplified SERS activity for multiple detection of pesticides and veterinary drugs

A deep learning-enabled smartphone platform for rapid and sensitive colorimetric detection of dimethoate pesticide.

A novel deep learning-enabled smartphone platform is developed to assist a colorimetric aptamer biosensor for fast and highly sensitive detection of dimethoate. The colorimetric determination of dimethoate is based on the specific binding of dimethoate and aptamer, which leads to the aggregation of AuNPs in high-concentration NaCl solution, resulting in an obvious color change from red to blue. This color change provides sufficient data for self-learning enabled by a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, which is established to predict dimethoate concentration based on images acquired from a smartphone. To enhance user-friendliness for non-experts, the CNN model is then embedded into a smartphone app, enabling offline detection of dimethoate pesticide in real environments within just 15min using a pre-configured colorimetric probe. The developed platform exhibits superior performance, achieving a regression coefficient of 0.9992 in the concentration range of 0-10μM. Moreover, the app's performance is found to be consistent with the ELISA kit. These remarkable findings demonstrate the potential of combining colorimetric biosensors with smartphone-based deep learning methods for the development of portable and affordable tools for pesticide detection.

Photothermal effect-enhanced peroxidase-like performance for sensitive detection of organophosphorus pesticides on a visual test strip

Pesticides pose a serious risk to public health, even in trace amounts. The sensitive, rapid, visual, and on-site detection of pesticides in a real sample remains a challenge. Herein, we report a visual and rapid organophosphorus pesticide (OP) sensing device with excellent sensitivity, ease of application, and specificity based on a photothermal effect-based peroxidase (POD) mimetic. The ultrathin MIL-101-NH2(Fe) (Fe-MOF) shell-coated Au nanobipyramide (NBP) not only possesses POD-like activity, but also exhibits excellent photothermal effect under near-infrared (NIR) light. The results reveal that the excellent photo-to-thermal conversion of the Au NBPs can rapidly heat the MIL-101-NH2(Fe) shell, which subsequently induces a markedly enhanced POD-like activity. Using paraoxon-ethyl as model OP, the combination of the OP inhibition effect on the biocatalytic activity of acetylcholinesterase with the inhibition effect of thiocholine on the colorimetric assays of the POD-mimicking Fe-MOF leads to a significant improved selectivity for OP sensing. In particular, the NIR light irradiation increased the OP detection sensitivity by 100 times. Importantly, based on this detection strategy, a visual test strip with high sensitivity was developed and enabled real-time detection through a simple color analysis software on a smartphone. The successful detection of OP residues in fruit peel using this test strip further confirmed its application potential in real sample analysis.

Designed bifunctional flower-like structural molybdenum disulfide doped with Ag atoms for clean energy and contaminant detection

An efficient bifunctional material still remains a stupendous challenge for the use of Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts and suffer from cost issues. In this study, heteroatom Ag doping instead of Ag compound MoS2 has been used to activate the inert plane of MoS2 and improve charge transfer, modulating the SERS and HER properties of MoS2. As SERS substrate, Ag doped MoS2 can be widely used for the rapid detection of organic dyes (MG, CV, R6G), pesticides (endosulfan and dipterex), and endocrine disrupter Bisphenol A and biological macromolecules bilirubin. Meanwhile, the HER activity of the MoS2 is remarkably boosted by introducing Ag atoms. The low overpotentials of pure MoS2 is 524 mV, while the low overpotentials of the Ag doped MoS2 can be reach 54 mV in alkaline electrolytes. Tafel slope, electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), Turnover frequency (TOF) and the normalized ECSA were analyzed to reveal the real reason for the increasing in electrocatalytic activity. As-synthesized Ag doped MoS2 shows highly efficient hydrogen evolution. This work synthesized low-cost bifunctional materials Ag doped MoS2 not only provides a guidance for MoS2-base SERS substrate design but also facilitates cope with the growing demand for clean energy.

Complementary Homogeneous Electrochemical and Photothermal Dual-Modal Sensor for Highly Sensitive Detection of Organophosphorus Pesticides via Stimuli-Responsive COF/Methylene Blue@MnO2 Composite.

Credible and on-site detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in complex matrixes is significant for food security and environmental monitoring. Herein, a novel COF/methylene blue@MnO2 (COF/MB@MnO2) composite featured abundant signal loading, a specific recognition unit, and robust oxidase-like activity was successfully prepared through facile assembly processes. The multifunctional composite acted as a homogeneous electrochemical and photothermal dual-mode sensing platform for OPs detection through stimuli-responsive regulation. Without the presence of OPs, the surface MnO2 coating could recognize thiocholine (TCh), originating from acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-catalyzed hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATCh), and exhibited a distinctly amplified diffusion current due to the release of plentiful MB; while the residual MnO2 nanosheets could only catalyze less TMB into oxidized TMB (oxTMB) with a typical near-infrared (NIR) absorption, enabling NIR-driven photothermal assay with a low temperature using a portable thermometer. Based on the inhibitory effect of OPs on AChE activity and OP-regulated generation of TCh, chlorpyrifos as a model target can be accurately detected with a low limit of detection of 0.0632 and 0.108 ng/mL by complementary electrochemical and photothermal measurements, respectively. The present dual-mode sensor was demonstrated to be excellent for application to the reliable detection of OPs in complex environmental and food samples. This work can not only provide a complementary dual-mode method for convenient and on-site detection of OPs in different scenarios but also expand the application scope of the COF-based multifunctional composite in multimodal sensors.

Sensitive fluorescent detection of phosmet and chlortetracycline in animal-derived food samples based on a water-stable Cd(II) chain-based zwitterionic metal-organic framework

The residues of pesticides and antibiotics have always been a major concern in agriculture and food safety. In order to provide a new method for the rapid detection of organophosphorus pesticides and antibiotics, a novel Cd(II) chain-based zwitterionic metal-organic framework MOF 1 with high sensitivity fluorescence sensing performance was successfully synthesized. A series of researches showed that the water- and pH-stable bifunctional MOF 1 has a great ability to detect phosmet (PSM) and chlortetracycline (CTC) in water through fluorescence quenching effect, with high detection sensitivity, low detection limits (0.0124 μM and 0.0131 μM), short response time (40 s) and reusability. Practical application results revealed that MOF 1 could detect PSM and CTC in milk, beef, chicken and egg samples, with satisfactory recoveries (95.2%–103.7%). As a novel fluorescence probe, MOF 1, is known the first case that can detect PSM in animal-derived samples, and the first dual-function material capable of detecting PSM and CTC. Mechanism studies displayed that competitive absorption and photoinduced electron transfer clearly authenticate the high quenching performance of the material.

High-sensitivity pesticide detection on mango skins by terahertz spectroscopy with graphene oxide sensors

Regular monitoring of pesticides in agricultural farmland is essential to prevent the misuse of toxic pesticide chemicals. As crop samples are typically disintegrated to extract the pesticide residue for chromatographic analysis, non-destructive techniques for pesticide monitoring are ideal for preventing the unwanted destruction of crops. This, however, requires analytical techniques that can detect trace pesticide amounts. Here, we show that terahertz (THz) spectroscopy in attenuated total reflection mode, combined with low-cost graphene oxide (GO) plasmonic sensor, can be used for sensitive, fast, and non-destructive pesticide detection on mango skin. After the application of pesticide solution onto the mango skin, the dried pesticide residue was transferred to the GO sensor by pressing it in contact with the mango skin surface. Due to the adsorption of the pesticide molecules onto the oxygen-rich GO surface, a signal in the THz range was obtained corresponding to the pesticide’s chemical fingerprint. With this technique, pesticide surface concentrations of approximately 1 µg/cm2 on mango skins can be detected.

Insight into the environmental fate, hazard, detection, and sustainable degradation technologies of chlorpyrifos-an organophosphorus pesticide.

Pesticides play a critical role in terms of agricultural output nowadays. On top of that, pesticides provide economic support to our farmers. However, the usage of pesticides has created a public health issue and environmental hazard. Chlorpyrifos (CPY), an organophosphate pesticide, is extensively applied as an insecticide, acaricide, and termiticide against pests in various applications. Environmental pollution has occurred because of the widespread usage of CPY, harming several ecosystems, including soil, sediment, water, air, and biogeochemical cycles. While residual levels in soil, water, vegetables, foodstuffs, and human fluids have been discovered, CPY has also been found in the sediment, soil, and water. The irrefutable pieces of evidence indicate that CPY exposure inhibits the choline esterase enzyme, which impairs the ability of the body to use choline. As a result, neurological, immunological, and psychological consequences are seen in people and the natural environment. Several research studies have been conducted worldwide to identify and develop CPY remediation approaches and its derivatives from the environment. Currently, many detoxification methods are available for pesticides, such as CPY. However, recent research has shown that the breakdown of CPY using bacteria is the most proficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. This current article aims to outline relevant research events, summarize the possible breakdown of CPY into various compounds, and discuss analytical summaries of current research findings on bacterial degradation of CPY and the potential degradation mechanism.

A Fluorescent Benzothiazole Probe for the Detection of Carboxylesterase and Carbamate Pesticides

AbstractA benzothiazole fluorescent probe (probe 1) was developed for the determination of carboxylesterase and carbamate pesticides. The probe used benzothiazole as the fluorescent group and chlorophenyl acetate as the recognition group. The recognition mechanism of probe 1 for carboxylesterase was based on the enzymatic hydrolysis of chlorophenyl acetate by carboxylesterase. The solution of probe 1 gradually changed from light blue to dark blue as the concentration of carbamate pesticide increased. Probe 1 could detect the concentration of carbamate pesticide based on the linear functional relationship between the R/B*G (red, blue, green) value of the probe 1 solution photo and the concentration of carbaryl without professional personnel and equipment. Additionally, probe 1 was successfully used to detect the concentration of carbaryl in actual samples based on the curve function relationship between the fluorescence intensity of probe 1 at 434 nm and the concentration of carbaryl.

Polar pesticides in food of animal origin: interlaboratory validation to evaluate method fitness-for-purpose of official control

The present work reports on the design, execution and evaluation of results of an interlaboratory validation study aimed at verifying the fitness-for-purpose of a LC-MS/MS method for the detection of polar pesticides in food of animal origin in official control and monitoring programmes. To this scope, five participant laboratories, with relevant expertise, were recruited. After passing a pre-trial test, the participants were asked to analyse test samples of bovine fat, chicken eggs and cow’s milk, contaminated with 11 polar pesticides (group A: Aminomethyl phosphonic acid (AMPA), cyanuric acid, ethephon, glyphosate, fosetyl aluminium, 2-hydroxyethyphosphonic acid (HEPA), maleic hydrazide, N-acetyl-glyphosate, group B: N-acetyl glufosinate (NAG), 3-methylphosphinicopropionic acid (MPP) and glufosinate ammonium) at two different levels (0.05 and 0.25 mg/kg−1 and 0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg−1 for group A and B respectively. The method was based on acidified methanol/water extraction followed by dSPE clean up with C18 sorbent. For LC-MS/MS analysis isotopically labelled standards were used for all targeted analytes. With a couple of exceptions, average recoveries ranged from 85% to 110%, with repeatability (RSDr) ranging from 3% to 25%, and reproducibility (RSD R ) from 4% to 26%. The assessment by different laboratories provided also insights on key factors impacting method performance characteristics and its implementation by new users.

Portable Sensor Array for On-Site Detection and Discrimination of Pesticides and Herbicides Using Multivariate Analysis.

Modern agricultural practice relies heavily on pesticides and herbicides to increase crop productivity, and consequently, their residues have a negative impact on the environment and public health. Thus, keeping these issues in account, herein we developed an azodye-based chromogenic sensor array for the detection and discrimination of pesticides and herbicides in food and soil samples, utilizing machine learning approaches such as hierarchical clustering analysis, principal component analysis, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and partial least square regression (PLSR). The azodye-based sensor array was developed in combination with various metal ions owing to their different photophysical properties, which led to distinct patterns toward various pesticides and herbicides. The obtained distinct patterns were recognized and processed through automated multivariate analysis, which enables the selective and sensitive identification and discrimination of various target analytes. Further, the qualitative and quantitative determination of target analytes were performed using LDA and PLSR; the results obtained show a linear correlation with varied concentrations of target analytes with R2 values from 0.89 to 0.96, the limit of detection from 5.3 to 11.8 ppm with a linear working range from 1 to 30 μM toward analytes under investigation. Further, the developed sensor array was successfully utilized for the discrimination of a binary mixture of pesticide (chlorpyrifos) and herbicide (glyphosate).

Novel and portable test strip platform for rapid and sensitive on-site detection of procymidone pesticide.

A novel and portable detection platform for procymidone (PRM) was developed by combining simple sample pretreatment, lateral flow test strips based on multi-branched gold nanoparticle (LFTS-MBGNP), and a smartphone. Based on the large surface area of MBGNPs, rapid detection of PRM was realized by simple naked eye observation. By utilizing a smartphone as a portable signal analyzer, ultrasensitive quantitative detection of PRM in red wine was realized with the limits of detection (LOD) of 1.60ng/mL, which was 3000 times lower than the US limit (5ppm). Moreover, rapid detection of four kinds of fruits and vegetables was achieved within 10min, with LODs of 4.34ng/g, 6.93ng/g, 8.99ng/g, and 5.03ng/g, respectively, which could meet the PRM limit of the European Union (10ng/g). Integrating the optimized QuEChERS pretreatment method, the developed platform realized a simple and sensitive on-site detection of PRM pesticide in foods and red wine within 45min. This platform provides a useful tool and new idea for rapid screening and detection of pesticide residues in food.

Research advances of SERS analysis method based on silent region molecules for food safety detection.

Food safety is a critical issue that is closely related to people's health and safety. As a simple, rapid, and sensitive detection technique, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology has significant potential for food safety detection. Recently, researchers have shown a growing interest in utilizing silent region molecules for SERS analysis. These molecules exhibit significant Raman scattering peaks in the cellular Raman silent region between 1800 and 2800 cm-1 avoiding overlapping with the SERS spectrum of biological matrices in the range 600-1800 cm-1, which could effectively circumvent matrix effects and improve the SERS accuracy. In this review, the application of silent region molecules-based SERS analytical technique for food safety detection is introduced, detection strategies including label-free detection and labeled detection are discussed, and recent applications of SERS analysis technology based on molecules containing alkyne and nitrile groups, as well as Prussian blue (PB) in the detection of pesticides, mycotoxins, metal ions, and foodborne pathogens are highlighted. This review aims to draw the attention to thesilent region molecules-based SERS analytical technique and toprovide theoretical support for its further applications in food safety detection.

Inner filter effect-based upconversion nanosensor for rapid detection of thiram pesticides using upconversion nanoparticles and dithizone–cadmium complexes

Herein, we propose a method for detecting thiram based on the fluorescence inner filter effect using upconversion nanoparticles and dithizone–cadmium complexes (DZ-Cd2+). The ultraviolet absorption of DZ-Cd2+ was in the range of 480–600 nm under alkaline conditions, resulting in fluorescence quenching of the nanoparticles at 540 nm. Thiram had a stronger coordination effect with Cd2+ than dithizone; thus, more thiram–cadmium complex (T-Cd2+) formed when thiram was added, leading to fluorescence recovery at 540 nm. The standard thiram curve was found to have a detection limit of 6.75 ng/mL in the linear range of 0.01–1000 µg/mL. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography results for detecting thiram in apple samples revealed good application performance. The results demonstrate that the developed method has great potential to detect thiram residues in food.

Applying molecular docking to pesticides.

Pesticide creation is related to the development of sustainable agricultural and ecological safety, and molecular docking technology can effectively help in pesticide innovation. This paper introduces the basic theory behind molecular docking, pesticide databases, and docking software. It also summarizes the application of molecular docking in the pesticide field, including the virtual screening of lead compounds, detection of pesticides and their metabolites in the environment, reverse screening of pesticide targets, and the study of resistance mechanisms. Finally, problems with the use of molecular docking technology in pesticide creation are discussed, and prospects for the future use of molecular docking technology in new pesticide development are discussed. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Secondary metal doped cuprous-cyanoimidazole frameworks for triple-mode detection of dopamine

BackgroundsMetal-organic framework-based nanozymes enable several opportunities for designing novel analysis methods for the detection of pesticides, heavy metal ions, and biomolecules; however, practical applications are still limited by a complicated synthesis route, lower catalytic activity, and single detection mode. Dopamine (DA) is a crucial catecholamine substance in the human body that acts as a neurotransmitter regulating a variety of physiological functions of the central nervous system. Therefore, it is highly significant to explore simple nanozymes synthesis methods for constructing a multiple analysis system to detection DA. ResultsHerein, we elaborately selected cobalt ions as the secondary metal doping in cuprous-cyanoimidazole frameworks (CuCo-CIFs) with a mass-production strategy. CuCo-CIFs possess intrinsic peroxidase-like activity that can convert hydrogen peroxide into various reactive oxygen species (i.e., 1O2, OH·, O2·-) and thereby oxidize colorless 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and DA to blue oxTMB and orange polydopamine (PDA), respectively. The absorption of the detection system increases at 460 nm while decreases at 652 nm as the concentration of DA increases under near-neutral pH (6.1), resulting in a color transition from blue to orange. Consequently, an unprecedented triple-mode analysis system of DA monitored by naked eyes, ratiometric-absorption, and scanometric was constructed. The limit of detection for the ratiometric-absorption and scanometric mode can reach 20 nM and 28 nM, respectively. CuCo-CIFs were successfully used for the rapid and accurate detection of DA in practical samples. SignificanceAs a simple, low-cost, multi-mode colorimetric platform, this kind of nanozyme detection with peroxidase-like activity exhibits significant potential for the detection of DA. Our work not only expands the applications of MOFs in analytical fields but also addresses the general challenges faced by nanozyme-based colorimetric detection systems of DA. This work provides valuable insights for the rational application of nanozyme and the design of new analysis systems.

Development of integrated smartphone/resistive biosensor for on-site rapid environmental monitoring of organophosphate pesticides in food and water

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides remain a worldwide health concern due to their acute or chronic poisoning and widespread use in agriculture around the world. There is a need for robust and field-deployable tools for onsite detection of OP pesticides in food and water. Herein, we present an integrated smartphone/resistive biosensor for simple, rapid, reagentless, and sensitive monitoring of OP pesticides in food and environmental water. The biosensor leverages the hydrolytic activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) to its substrate, acetylcholine (ACh), and unique transport properties of polyaniline nanofibers (PAnNFs) of chitosan/AChE/PAnNF/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposite film on a gold interdigitated electrode. The principle of the sensor relies on OP inhibiting AChE, thus, reducing the rate of ACh hydrolysis and consequently decreasing the rate of protons doping the PAnNFs. Such resulted decrease in conductance of PAnNF can be used to quantify OP pesticides in a sample. A mobile app for the biosensor was developed for analyzing measurement data and displaying and sharing testing results. Under optimal conditions, the biosensor demonstrated a wide linear range (1 ppt–100 ppb) with a low detection limit (0.304 ppt) and high reproducibility (RSD <5%) for Paraoxon-Methyl (PM), a model analyte. Furthermore, the biosensor was successfully applied for analyzing PM spiked food/water samples with an average recovery rate of 98.3% and provided comparable results with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. As such, the nanosensing platform provides a promising tool for onsite rapid and sensitive detection of OP pesticides in food and environmental water.

Pesticide biosensors: trends and progresses.

Pesticides, chemical substances extensively employed in agriculture to optimize crop yields, pose potential risks to human and environmental health. Consequently, regulatory frameworks are in place to restrict pesticide residue concentrations in water intended for human consumption. These regulations are implemented to safeguard consumer safety and mitigate any adverse effects on the environment and public health. Although gas chromatography- and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS and LC-MS) are highly efficient techniques for pesticide quantification, their use is not suitable for real-time monitoring due to the need for sophisticated laboratory pretreatment of samples prior to analysis. Since they would enable analyte detection with selectivity and sensitivity without sample pretreatment, biosensors appear as a promising alternative. These consist of a bioreceptor allowing for specific recognition of the target and of a detection platform, which translates the biological interaction into a measurable signal. As early detection systems remain urgently needed to promptly alert and act in case of pollution, we review here the biosensors described in the literature for pesticide detection to advance their development for use in the field.

Platinum nanoflowers stabilized with aloe polysaccharides for detection of organophosphorus pesticides in food

Organophosphorus pesticides can inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase and cause neurological diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to establish an efficient and sensitive platform for organophosphorus pesticide detection. In this work, we extracted aloe polysaccharide (AP) from aloe vera with the number average molecular weight of 27760 Da and investigated its reducing property. We prepared aloe polysaccharide stabilized platinum nanoflowers (AP-Ptn NFs), their particle size ranges were 29.4–67.3 nm. Furthermore, AP-Ptn NFs exhibited excellent oxidase-like activity and the catalytic kinetics followed the typical Michaelis-Menten equation. They showed strong affinity for 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine substrates. More importantly, we developed a simple and effective strategy for the sensitive colorimetric detection of organophosphorus pesticides in food using biocompatible AP-Ptn NFs. The detection range was 0.5 μg/L − 140 mg/L, which was wider than many previously reported nanozyme detection systems. This colorimetric biosensor had good selectivity and good promise for bioassay analysis.

The bitter side of teas: Pesticide residues and their impact on human health.

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverages globally, known for its rich composition of bioactive compounds that offer various health benefits to humans. However, the cultivation of tea plants often faces challenges due to their high vulnerability to pests and diseases, resulting in the heavy use of pesticides. Consequently, pesticide residues can be transferred to tea leaves, compromising their quality and safety and potentially posing risks to human health, including hormonal and reproductive disorders and cancer development. In light of these concerns, this review aims to: (I) present the maximum limits of pesticide residues established by different international regulatory agencies; (II) explore the characteristics of pesticides commonly employed in tea cultivation, encompassing aspects such as digestion, bioaccessibility, and the behavior of pesticide transfer; and (III) discuss the effectiveness of detection and removal methods for pesticides, the impacts of pesticides on both tea plants and human health and investigate emerging alternatives to replace these substances. By addressing these critical aspects, this review provides valuable insights into the management of pesticide residues in tea production, with the goal of ensuring the production of safe, high-quality tea while minimizing adverse effects on human health.