An electrochemical aptasensor for detection of carbofuran using gold nanoparticles decorated hierarchical porous carbon as an effective sensing platform

Abstract

In this study, a novel electrochemical aptasensor for carbofuran (CBF) detection is prepared by gold nanoparticles decorated hierarchical porous carbon (Au@HPC). The prepared carbon materials show a three-dimensional hierarchical structure with a large specific surface area and a highly developed porous structure. Aptamers loading significantly improves when gold nanoparticles are embedded into the hierarchical porous carbon skeleton. Besides, Au@HPC modified electrode exhibits a large electroactive area and excellent electrochemical conductivity, serving as a promising platform for highly sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of CBF. The developed CBF electrochemical aptasensor shows a wide linear from 1.0 to 100000 pg/L with a detection limit of 0.5 pg/L, demonstrating an extraordinary sensitivity compared to other sensors for CBF detection. Additionally, the designed aptasensor was used to monitor the CBF in vegetable samples, with a recovery range from 98.4% to 104.8%. The results coincide with the standard test method, revealing its practicability in the food safety analysis.

Keywords: Carbofuran; Electrochemical aptasensor; Food analysis; Gold nanoparticles decorated hierarchical porous carbon.