Trifunctional silver nanoparticle modified magnetic prickly-like nickel rods with magnetism, peroxidase-like and surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity for self-calibration dual-mode detection of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in foods

Problem of research Owing to insufficient stability and low detection accuracy, current 5-HMF detection technologies are limited in complex food matrices Aim of study In this study, novel trifunctional Ag nanoparticle-modified magnetic prickly-like Ni rods (NiRs@AgNPs) were developed for self-calibration colourimetric/SERS dual-mode detection of 5-HMF in foods. Remarkable methodology NiRs@AgNPs integrated magnetism with peroxidase-like and SERS activities through NiRs-AgNP synergy. Aptamer immobilization enabled specific 5-HMF recognition, with 5-HMF triggering dual-mode signal reduction (SERS/UV–Vis) through inhibited peroxidase-like activity and suppressed oxidised TMB formation. Remarkable results The composite exhibited good linear responses for 5-HMF ranging from 0.1 to 6.0 and 0.05 to 7.5 mg L −1 , with limits of detections of 0.05 and 0.02 mg L −1 for the colourimetric and SERS modes, respectively. Significance of study The dual-mode strategy improves reliability and expands the applicability of 5-HMF detection in complex food matrices by overcoming single-mode limitations.