Sensitive and rapid detection of aflatoxin M1 in milk utilizing enhanced SPR and p(HEMA) brushes

The rapid and sensitive detection of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor is reported. This low molecular weight mycotoxin is analyzed using an indirect competitive immunoassay that is amplified by secondary antibodies conjugated with Au nanoparticles. In order to prevent fouling on the sensor surface by the constituents present in analyzed milk samples, an interface with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) p(HEMA) brush was employed. The study presents a comparison of performance characteristics of p(HEMA)-based sensor with a regularly used polyethylene glycol-based architecture relying on mixed thiol self-assembled monolayer. Both sensors are characterized in terms of surface mass density of immobilized AFM1 conjugate as well as affinity bound primary and secondary antibodies. The efficiency of the amplification strategy based on Au nanoparticle is discussed. The biosensor allowed for highly sensitive detection of AFM1 in milk with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 18 pg mL−1 with the analysis time of 55 min.