In a research study published recently in the journal Agriculture, an electrolytic sensor based on the concentration of floral nano-ZnO and the identification of immune reaction was created for the high-sensitivity monitoring of Tenuazonic acid (TeA) in fruit and vegetables.
When comparing various morphologies, dimensions, and crystalline structures of nano-ZnO, the researchers discovered that floral nano-ZnO (ZnO NFs) with a hexagonal phase had the best surface area and conductance.
What is Tenuazonic Acid (TeA)?
When compared to other Alternaria chemicals, tenuazonic acid (TeA) exhibits a high level of toxic effects, including neurotoxicity and probable carcinogenic effects.
It may also cause cumulative harm when combined with other toxins, leading to acute poisoning.
TeA can be found in a variety of foods, including grains, peppercorns, vegetables, fruits, and even animal proteins, with levels of contamination varying from a few milligrams to thousands of milligrams.
TeA was included by the United States National Council for Occupational Health & Safety in 1979 due to its high contamination of farm products.
Figure 1. The SEM image of flower-shaped nano-ZnO (A) and brush-shaped nano-ZnO (B); XRD patterns of ZnO (C); FT-IR spectrum of amino-modified nano-ZnO (D). © Zhang, C. et al. (2022)
To date, enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and column chromatography spectroscopy have been the primary methods for detecting the carcinogen TeA.
However, since these traditional detection systems have significant drawbacks, such as being inconvenient, time-consuming, and having low susceptibility, enhancements in sensing methods of TeA are still needed.
Importance of ZnO Based Electrochemical Biosensors
In comparison to the approaches mentioned above, the electrochemical biosensor has been commonly regarded as a potent assessment technique with several advantages, including quick detection rate and mobile devices.
Recent research has focused on increasing its high specificity using a nanocomposite with a large surface area, great conductance, and superior photocatalytic characteristics.
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a global semiconductor that may function as both a nanocomposite and a transistor. Because of its huge surface area, excellent durability, and superior cytocompatibility, it can offer much more redox potential for biorecognition components such as nucleic acid aptamers and monoclonal antibodies.
Since numerous microstructures of ZnO have been effectively implemented to biosensors to identify different bioactive molecules, it is essential to measure the impact of varying morphological features of ZnO on surface area and permeability to widen its implementation in delicate biosensors.
Figure 2. Cyclic voltametric characterization of constructing electrochemical immunosensor (A) Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterization of constructing electrochemical immunosensor (B) (a: bare Au; b: bare Au/ZnO; c: bare Au/ZnO/antibody; d: bare Au/ZnO/antibody/BSA; e: bare Au/ZnO/antibody/BSA/TeA). © Zhang, C. et al. (2022)
ZnO NFs as Biosensors for Detection of TeA
In this study, by carefully adjusting pH, response duration, activation time, and precipitator, ZnO with various morphologies, dimensions, and crystallinity was manufactured.
Because of the hard surface, three-dimensional structure, and numerous gaps on each nucleotide surface, the floral nanoscale ZnO has the highest load-bearing capacity.
Through an amidation process between the amino group of antigens and the carboxylate, the ZnO NFs were covalently bonded with TeA specific antibodies and subsequently anchored on a gold working electrode altered with 2-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA).
Construction of Electrochemical TeA Sensor
A traditional three-electrode cell arrangement was used in which a gold wire acted as the electrode material, an Ag/AgCl electrode functioned as the reference electrode, and a Pt cable worked as the counter electrode.
The gold electrode was first soaked in a 1 percent MBA absolute ethanol, then maintained at 37 °C for 2 hours before being washed with distilled water and air-dried.
CV imaging and electrical resistance spectrometry were performed after each of the layers above had been modified.
The electrochemical behavior was investigated using a differentiated pulse voltammetry (DPV) test with a phase voltage of 4 mV, a frequency of 25 Hz, and an intensity of 25 mV.
Research Conclusion and Prospects
In conclusion, to overcome the high-loading issue of specific antibodies, the researchers created altered ZnO and floral nano-ZnO.
The effective production of Au/ZnO/antibody/BSA/TeA was validated by CV and EIS studies. Moreover, the electrolytic biosensor has good specificity and low resistance.
Sensitivity experiments revealed that it has a unique anti-interference capability against pollutants with a composition comparable to TeA.
TeA was effectively determined with a low detection limit using a straightforward, cost-effective, and pollution-free nano-ZnO, paving the way for the development of more economical and accurate biosensors for the identification of additional substances.
Figure 3. Selectivity of the biosensor detection of TeA (500 pg/mL) against the interference proteins: 50 ng/mL ALT, 50 ng/mL AME, 50 ng/mL TEN, and 50 ng/mL AOH. © Zhang, C. et al. (2022)
News
Study Shows Brain Signals Only Matter if They Arrive on Time
Signals are processed only if they reach the brain during brief receptive cycles. This timing mechanism explains how attention filters information and may inform therapies and brain-inspired technologies. It has long been recognized that [...]
Does Space-Time Really Exist?
Is time something that flows — or just an illusion? Exploring space-time as either a fixed “block universe” or a dynamic fabric reveals deeper mysteries about existence, change, and the very nature of reality. [...]
Unlocking hidden soil microbes for new antibiotics
Most bacteria cannot be cultured in the lab-and that's been bad news for medicine. Many of our frontline antibiotics originated from microbes, yet as antibiotic resistance spreads and drug pipelines run dry, the soil [...]
By working together, cells can extend their senses beyond their direct environment
The story of the princess and the pea evokes an image of a highly sensitive young royal woman so refined, she can sense a pea under a stack of mattresses. When it comes to [...]
Overworked Brain Cells May Hold the Key to Parkinson’s
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes uncovered a surprising reason why dopamine-producing neurons, crucial for smooth body movements, die in Parkinson’s disease. In mice, when these neurons were kept overactive for weeks, they began to falter, [...]
Old tires find new life: Rubber particles strengthen superhydrophobic coatings against corrosion
Development of highly robust superhydrophobic anti-corrosion coating using recycled tire rubber particles. Superhydrophobic materials offer a strategy for developing marine anti-corrosion materials due to their low solid-liquid contact area and low surface energy. However, [...]
This implant could soon allow you to read minds
Mind reading: Long a science fiction fantasy, today an increasingly concrete scientific goal. Researchers at Stanford University have succeeded in decoding internal language in real time thanks to a brain implant and artificial intelligence. [...]
A New Weapon Against Cancer: Cold Plasma Destroys Hidden Tumor Cells
Cold plasma penetrates deep into tumors and attacks cancer cells. Short-lived molecules were identified as key drivers. Scientists at the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), working with colleagues from Greifswald University Hospital and [...]
This Common Sleep Aid May Also Protect Your Brain From Alzheimer’s
Lemborexant and similar sleep medications show potential for treating tau-related disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. New research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that a commonly used sleep medication can restore normal sleep patterns and [...]
Sugar-Coated Nanoparticles Boost Cancer Drug Efficacy
A team of researchers at the University of Mississippi has discovered that coating cancer treatment carrying nanoparticles in a sugar-like material increases their treatment efficacy. They reported their findings in Advanced Healthcare Materials. Over a tenth of breast [...]
Nanoparticle-Based Vaccine Shows Promise in Fighting Cancer
In a study published in OncoImmunology, researchers from the German Cancer Research Center and Heidelberg University have created a therapeutic vaccine that mobilizes the immune system to target cancer cells. The researchers demonstrated that virus peptides combined [...]
Quantitative imaging method reveals how cells rapidly sort and transport lipids
Lipids are difficult to detect with light microscopy. Using a new chemical labeling strategy, a Dresden-based team led by André Nadler at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) and [...]
Ancient DNA reveals cause of world’s first recorded pandemic
Scientists have confirmed that the Justinian Plague, the world’s first recorded pandemic, was caused by Yersinia pestis, the same bacterium behind the Black Death. Dating back some 1,500 years and long described in historical texts but [...]
“AI Is Not Intelligent at All” – Expert Warns of Worldwide Threat to Human Dignity
Opaque AI systems risk undermining human rights and dignity. Global cooperation is needed to ensure protection. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has changed how people interact, but it also poses a global risk to human [...]
Nanomotors: Where Are They Now?
First introduced in 2004, nanomotors have steadily advanced from a scientific curiosity to a practical technology with wide-ranging applications. This article explores the key developments, recent innovations, and major uses of nanomotors today. A [...]
Study Finds 95% of Tested Beers Contain Toxic “Forever Chemicals”
Researchers found PFAS in 95% of tested beers, with the highest levels linked to contaminated local water sources. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), better known as forever chemicals, are gaining notoriety for their ability [...]
