Simple and sensitive detection of aflatoxin B1 within five minute using a non-conventional competitive immunosensing mode

A novel competitive-type immunosensing strategy based on target-induced displacement reaction with antibody-functionalized mesoporous carbon (MSC) nanoparticles was designed for sensitive and rapid electrochemical detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1, used as a model) on the Nafion-functionalized sensing interface. Electroactive thionine molecules were initially decorated to the mesoporous carbon, and polyclonal anti-AFB1 antibody was then covalently conjugated to the nanostructures. The immunosensor was simply prepared via the electrostatic interaction between negatively charged Nafion film and positively charged anti-AFB1 antibody accompanying the nanostructures. The electrochemical signal originated from the carried thionine to mesoporous carbon. Upon target AFB1 introduction, the analyte reacted with the labeled anti-AFB1 antibody on the MSC based on specific antigen-antibody reaction and induced the dissociation of thionine-MSN nanostructures from the sensing interface, thus decreasing the cathodic current of the carried thionine molecules. Under optimal conditions, the immunosensor exhibited good electrochemical responses for determination of target AFB1 at a concentration as low as 3.0 pg mL−1 (3.0 ppt). Importantly, the non-conventional sensing system provides a promising immunosensing strategy for rapid screening of small molecules because of its simplicity, low cost and sensitivity without the needs of sample separation and washing step.