Nucleic-acid-modified electrodes and devices for the electrochemical ultrasensitive trace detection of acrylamide in processed foods.

Abstract

The invention presents an advanced electrochemical biosensor system and method for the rapid and portable detection of acrylamide levels in processed foods. The biosensor comprises a unique sensing element and an electrochemical transducer, where the former featuring magnetic beads functionalized with biotinylated DNA probes, synthetic complementary RNA, and horseradish peroxidase-linked antibodies for signal amplification. The electrochemical transducer contains a three-electrode setup and potentiostat for amperometric measurements. The detection method employs an indirect detection mechanism, measuring the interference of acrylamide with nucleic acid hybridization. It involves sample preparation steps (homogenization, centrifugation, filtration), hybridization of target RNA with DNA on magnetic beads, antibody recognition, magnetic capture, and chronoamperometric detection at -0.2V, enabling selective quantification of acrylamide by monitoring HRP reduction in the presence of quinone derivatives and hydrogen peroxide. This innovative system provides a simple, cost-effective, and on-site solution for acrylamide detection and quantification in processed food products, contributing significantly to enhanced food safety measures.