In this work, authors have developed a portable, sensitive, and quick-response fiber optic sensor that is capable of detection of Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) quantitatively and qualitatively. Using multi-mode fiber (MMF) and multi-core fiber (MCF), the MMF-MCF-MCF-MMF fiber structure based on symmetric transverse offset splicing and waist-expanded taper is fabricated. The evanescent waves are enhanced to form a strong evanescent field by etching the fiber surface with hydrofluoric acid. To successfully excite the localized surface plasmon resonance phenomenon, gold nanoparticles are deposited on the optical fiber probe's surface. Further, to modify the fiber optic probes, Niobium carbide (Nb2CTx) MXene and AFB1 antibodies are functionalized. Nb2CTx MXene is employed to strengthen the biocompatibility of the sensor and increase the specific surface area of the fiber probe, while AFB1 antibody is used to identify AFB1 micro-biomolecules in a specific manner. The reproducibility, reusability, stability, and selectivity of the proposed fiber probe are tested and validated using various concentration of AFB1 solutions. Finally, the linear range, sensitivity, and limit of detection of the sensing probe are determined as 0 - 1000 nM, 11.7 nm/µM, and 26.41 nM, respectively. The sensor offers an indispensable technique, low-cost solution and portability for AFB1-specific detection in agricultural products and their byproducts with its novel optical fiber structure and superior detecting capability. It is also useful for marine species like fish and consequently affecting health of human body.
Shijie Dai,Wei Li,Ruimin Xu,Xin Wang,Qianjin Li,Menghua Dou,Jianlin Li
We have demonstrated the proof-of-concept of a label-free fluorescence quantitative detection platform based on gold nanoparticle (AuNP) enhancement intrinsic fluorescence of protein on the silica photonic crystal microsphere (SPCM) array. The label-free one-step competitive fluorescence immunoassay protocol has been proposed on the surface of the SPCM. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) as a model molecule was detected by the newly established method. AFB1-bovine serum albumin and monoclonal antibodies (Abs) of anti-AFB1 have been immobilized on the surfaces of SPCMs and AuNPs, respectively. AuNPs remarkably enhanced the intrinsic fluorescence of artificial antigens on the surface of the SPCM at near UV excitation. The simulation of electric field distribution showed that the maximum value of the near-field enhancement |E/E0| of the SPCM with AuNPs could reach 20. The label-free fluorescence enhancement effect comes from the synergistic effects of photonic crystal effect and AuNP plasmon effect. Such a label-free fluorescence detection method can provide a linear detection range from 0.1 to 10 ng/mL with a limit of detection of 0.025 ng/mL and good specificity for AFB1. The recovery rates in the spiked cereal samples were measured in the range of 84.07 ± 5.71%–101.02 ± 5.13%, which were consistent with that of the traditional enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. The label-free detection platform displays great application potential in biology, medicine, agriculture, food industry, chemical industry, energy source, and environmental protection.