A sandwich-type photoelectrochemical biosensor based on Ru(bpy)32+ sensitized In2S3 for aflatoxin B1 detection

Aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)), classified as a class I carcinogen, is a widespread mycotoxin that poses a serious threat to public health and economic development, and the food safety problems caused by AFB(1) have aroused worldwide concern. The development of accurate and sensitive methods for the detection of AFB(1) is significant for food safety monitoring. In this work, a sandwich-type photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor for AFB(1) detection was constructed on the basis of an aptamer-antibody structure. A good photocurrent response was obtained due to the sensitization of In2S3 by Ru(bpy)(3)(2+). In addition, this sandwich-type sensor constructed by modification with the antibody, target detector, and aptamer layer by layer attenuated the migration hindering effect of photogenerated carriers caused by the double antibody structure. The aptamer and antibody synergistically recognized and captured the target analyte, resulting in more reliable PEC response signals. CdSe@CdS QDs-Apt were modified as a signal-off probe onto the sensor platform to quantitatively detect AFB(1) with a "signal-off" response, which enhanced the sensitivity of the sensor. The PEC biosensor showed a linear response range from 10(-12) to 10(-6) g mL(-1) with a detection limit of 0.023 pg mL(-1), providing a feasible approach for the quantitative detection of AFB(1) in food samples.