An unusual impedimetric biosensor design based on 3-MPDS for highly sensitive detection of AFB1 in food samples

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a mycotoxin produced by fungi of the genus Aspergillus, particularly Aspergillus flavus, is recognized as the aflatoxin with the highest carcinogenic and mutagenic potential. This study presents a costeffective, disposable AFB1 biosensor system based on 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (3-MPDS) and the highly sensitive impedance technique. The surfaces of the ITO-PET (indium tin oxide/polyethylene terephthalate) electrodes were modified with 3-MPDS, and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) was used as a crosslinker. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques were employed for immobilization, optimization, and analytical studies. Additionally, the surface morphology of the biosensor was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The biosensor demonstrated a linear range from 0.01 fg/mL to 200 fg/mL, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 fg/mL and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.04 fg/mL. Finally, the proposed biosensor was tested and validated with real food samples, including rice, peanuts, milk, chili pepper, and corn.