Ratiometric Fluorescent Nanoprobe for Aflatoxin B1 Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting aflatoxin B1 lack sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy, particularly in on-site rapid screening, and often require toxic heavy metals and are susceptible to environmental interference.
Innovation Solution
The development of β-CD@DNA-Cu nanoparticles using Y-shaped DNA as a template and ascorbic acid as a reducing agent, combined with mono-(6-mercapto-6-deoxy)-β-cyclodextrin for fluorescence stabilization, enables the creation of a ratiometric fluorescent probe for sensitive and selective detection of aflatoxin B1.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional instrumental analysis methods (HPLC, LC-MS) are used for detecting aflatoxin B1, then high sensitivity and accurate results are achieved, but the method requires expensive equipment, organic solvents, professional operators, and high time cost, greatly limiting on-site rapid screening application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/instrumental analysis systems (HPLC, LC-MS) with a fluorescent nanoprobe-based optical detection system. The β-CD@DNA-Cu nanoparticles serve as a fluorescent probe that directly interacts with AFB1, enabling detection through fluorescence intensity changes without requiring expensive chromatography or mass spectrometry equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent nanoprobe system is designed to be self-assembling and self-detecting. The β-CD@DNA-Cu nanoparticles automatically bind to AFB1 through host-guest interactions, and the fluorescence signal changes occur spontaneously without requiring complex sample preparation or professional operator intervention, enabling on-site rapid screening.
2Productivity
If immunoassay methods are used for rapid detection of AFB1, then the detection speed is improved, but the preparation period of antibodies is long and the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses synthetic fluorescent nanoprobos (β-CD@DNA-Cu nanoparticles) that can be prepared quickly and used directly for detection. These nanoprobos replace expensive, time-consuming antibody preparations with readily synthesizable nanomaterials that provide rapid, cost-effective detection without requiring long antibody preparation periods.
3Measurement precision
If β-cyclodextrin and metal ion system is used to enhance fluorescence of AFB1, then detection sensitivity is improved, but toxic heavy metal elements are required and the single-signal mode is susceptible to interference from concentration drift and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the toxic heavy metal component from the detection system. Instead of using metal ions to enhance fluorescence, the invention employs β-CD@DNA-Cu nanoparticles where the copper is coordinated within the DNA structure and β-cyclodextrin coating, removing the need for free toxic heavy metals while maintaining fluorescence enhancement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite nanoprobe system combining β-cyclodextrin, DNA, and copper nanoparticles. This composite structure (β-CD@DNA-Cu) integrates multiple functional components: β-CD for host-guest binding, DNA for structural stability and biocompatibility, and Cu nanoparticles for fluorescence properties. The composite material achieves high sensitivity without requiring toxic heavy metal ions.
4Illumination intensity
If β-cyclodextrin and metal ion system is used for fluorescence enhancement, then the fluorescence intensity of AFB1 is greatly enhanced, but the single-signal mode is susceptible to interference from probe concentration, light source drift, detector drift, and environmental factors in complex matrices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a ratiometric detection strategy that uses two fluorescence signals (one from AFB1 and one from the nanoprobe) to create an internal reference system. By taking the ratio of these two signals, the system automatically compensates for variations in probe concentration, light source intensity, detector sensitivity, and environmental factors, significantly improving measurement reliability and reducing false positives.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method achieves high sensitivity and selectivity in detecting aflatoxin B1 with a limit of detection at 0.012 ppb, offering fast, non-toxic, and accurate results, with enhanced sensitivity through the use of metal ions like Ca2+, which is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
ascorbic acid (AA) as a reducing agent
Implementation Method 2
AFB1 can enter the cavity of β-CD to form inclusion compounds
Implementation Method 3
fluorescence detection has attracted much attention because of its advantages including high sensitivity
Implementation Method 4
the fluorescence of AFB1 is easily quenched in a solvent
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for detecting aflatoxin B1 based on fluorescent copper nanoparticles, belonging to the technical fields of analytical chemistry, materials science and nano biosensing. In the disclosure, β-CD@DNA-Cu NMs are prepared by using Y-shaped DNA as a template, ascorbic acid as a reducing agent and β-CD as a fluorescence stabilizing and enhancing agent. Then, a ratiometric fluorescent probe is constructed based on the β-CD@DNA-Cu NMs. Finally, the detection of AFB1 with high sensitivity, high selectivity and high accuracy is achieved by using the fluorescent probe. According to the method of the disclosure, in linear ranges of 0.03-10 ppb and 10-18 ppb, a ratio value of I433 nm/I650 nm and a concentration of AFB1 exhibit a good linear relationship respectively, and a limit of detection is 0.012 ppb (S/N=3). Metal ions Ca2+ may be replaced with Yb3+, Y3+, Er3+ and Pt2+, which are also suitable for increasing sensitivity of AFB1 in rice.