Complementary DNA Significantly Enhancing Signal Response and Sensitivity of a Molecular Beacon Probe to Aflatoxin B1

Biosensors (Basel). 2023 Jan 28;13(2):195. doi: 10.3390/bios13020195.

Abstract

This paper reported an improved molecular beacon method for the rapid detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a natural mycotoxin with severe carcinogenicity. With the assistance of a complementary DNA (cDNA) chain, the molecular beacon which consists of a DNA aptamer flanked by FAM and BHQ1 displayed a larger fluorescent response to AFB1, contributing to the sensitive detection of AFB1. Upon optimization of some key experimental factors, rapid detection of AFB1 ranging from 1 nM to 3 μM, within 20 min, was realized by using this method. A limit of detection (LoD) of 1 nM was obtained, which was lower than the LoD (8 nM) obtained without cDNA assistance. This aptamer-based molecular beacon detection method showed advantages in easy operation, rapid analysis and larger signal response. Good specificity and anti-interference ability were demonstrated. This method showed potential in real-sample analysis.

Keywords: aflatoxin B1; aptamer; complementary DNA; enhanced signal; molecular beacon.

MeSH terms

  • Aflatoxin B1 / analysis
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide*
  • Biosensing Techniques* / methods
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Fluorescent Dyes / analysis
  • Food Contamination / analysis
  • Limit of Detection
  • Molecular Probes

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • Aflatoxin B1
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Molecular Probes
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide