Construction of a rapid electrochemical biosensor consisting of a nanozyme/aptamer conjugate for waterborne microcystin detection

Analyst. 2023 May 30;148(11):2536-2543. doi: 10.1039/d3an00391d.

Abstract

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a hepatotoxin generated by the excessive proliferation of cyanobacteria, which is a threat to humans and wildlife. Therefore, rapid detection of MC-LR is an important challenge. This study describes a rapid electrochemical biosensor comprising nanozymes and aptamers. Alternating current electrothermal flow (ACEF) significantly reduced the MC-LR detection period to 10 min. We also used MnO2/MC-LR aptamer conjugates to improve the sensitivity to MC-LR detection. Here, MnO2 amplified the electrochemical signal and the aptamer showed high selectivity for MC-LR. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) and selectivity in freshwater were detected using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. As a result, an LOD of 3.36 pg mL-1 was observed in the linear concentration range of 10 pg mL-1 to 1 μg mL-1. This study quickly and sensitively detected MC-LR in a situation where it causes serious damage worldwide. In addition, the ACEF technology introduction is the first example of MC-LR detection, suggesting a wide range of possibilities for MC-LR biosensors.

MeSH terms

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide*
  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Humans
  • Manganese Compounds
  • Microcystins
  • Oxides

Substances

  • Microcystins
  • Manganese Compounds
  • Oxides
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide