A multifunctional aptamer-based lateral flow assays with trimetallic nanozymes for the rapid detection of deoxynivalenol in maize.

BACKGROUND

Currently, aptamer-based lateral flow assays (LFAs) possess prominent merits of facile operation and cost-effectiveness, presenting potential application prospects in the realm of rapid food safety testing. However, it suffers from low accuracy and sensitivity in detecting mycotoxins in grains.

RESULTS

This study developed a multifunctional LFA detection platform modified with aptamers for the rapid detection of vomitoxin in real samples. The platform integrates magnetic separation to eliminate matrix interference, utilizes novel nanomaterials for signal amplification, and employs a positive readout strategy to broaden the detection range. In the colorimetric mode, the limit of detection (LOD) for deoxynivalenol (DON) was 0.8 ng/mL, while the catalytic mode achieved a lower LOD of 0.3 ng/mL. Compared with conventional AuNPs-based lateral flow assays (LOD = 6 ng/mL), the sensitivity was improved by 7.5-fold and 20-fold, respectively. These results indicate that the multifunctional LFA incorporating magnetic separation, signal amplification, and positive readout provides reliable performance for DON detection.

SIGNIFICANCE: This platform offers a useful approach for detecting contaminants of small molecular weight, such as mycotoxins, in grain samples and may be applicable to the analysis of other target analytes.