Photoelectrochemical immunosensor for N6-methyladenine detection based on Ru@UiO-66, Bi2O3 and Black TiO2.

A novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor was successfully constructed for N6-methyladenine (m6A) detection based on the photoactive materials of black titanium dioxide (B-TiO2) and bismuth trioxide (Bi2O3) and the signal amplification unit of [Ru(bpy)3]2+-doped metal organic framework (MOF). The Bi2O3/B-TiO2/ITO electrode was first fabricated, then decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) which provided sites for anchoring m6A antibodies. After the capture of m6A via immunoreaction with the antibody, the Zr-based metal organic framework (UiO-66)-[Ru(bpy)3]2+ compound was further attached specifically to the phosphate group of m6A. With visible light irradiation, a large and stable photocurrent response was produced in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA). Under optimized experimental conditions, the linear range of the PEC biosensor was 0.05-30 nM, with a low detection limit of 0.0167 nM (S/N = 3). This method showed high specificity, selectivity, stabilization and repeatability. Moreover, it was successfully used for the detection of m6A in rice seedling leaves that had been subjected to heavy metal treatment during their development.