A competitive-type photoelectrochemical immunosensor for aflatoxin B1 detection based on flower-like WO3 as matrix and Ag2S-enhanced BiVO4 for signal amplification

A competitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor was successfully utilized for quantitative detection of aflatoxin B1(AFB1). The flower-like tungsten oxide (WO3) hierarchical architectures with large specific surface areas and porous nanostructure was prepared as a matrix material for immobilizing of BSA-AFB1. The Ag ions-modified bismuth vanadate nano-polyhedron (BiVO4@Ag+) was utilized as labels for immobilization anti-AFB1 through affinity specific binding. The Ag2S was prepared in-situ growth by immediately deposition the S2- onto the BiVO4@Ag+. The high photocurrent intensity was generated by the obtained BiVO4@Ag2S under visible-light irradiation. Moreover, excellent sensitivity was achieved by using the WO3 as the matrix and BiVO4@Ag2S as labels to enhance photocurrent response and improve the photocurrent conversion efficiency. Under optimal conditions, the competitive PEC immunosensor showed wide linear range from 1.0 pg mL(-1) to 120 ng mL(-1) with limit detection of 0.28pgmL(-1) for AFBI. The biosensor was performed with good reproducibility, acceptable stability, and high specificity, which indicated potential application in the detection of other toxic small molecules. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.