Label-Free Electrochemical Aptasensor for Sensitive Detection of Malachite Green Based on AuNPs/MWCNTs@TiO2 Nanocomposites

Abstract

This study proposes a label-free aptamer biosensor for the sensitive detection of malachite green(MG) using gold nanoparticles/multi-walled carbon nanotubes @ titanium dioxide(AuNPs/MWCNTs@TiO2). The nanocomposite provides a large surface area and good electrical conductivity, improving current transfer and acting as a platform for aptamer immobilization. The aptamer and the complementary chain(cDNA) are paired by base complementary to form the recognition element and fixed on the AuNPs by sulfhydryl group, which was modified on the cDNA. Since DNA is negatively charged, the redox probe in the electrolyte is less exposed to the electrode surface under the repulsion of the negative charge, resulting in a low-electrical signal level. When MG is present, the aptamer is detached from the cDNA and binds to MG, the DNA on the electrode surface is reduced, and the rejection of the redox probe is weakened, which leads to an enhanced electrical signal and enables the detection of MG concentration by measuring the change in the electrical signal. Under the best experimental conditions, the sensor demonstrates a good linear relationship for the detection of MG from 0.01 to 1000 ng/mL, the limit of detection (LOD)is 8.68 pg/mL. This sensor is stable, specific, and reproducible, allowing for the detection of various small-molecule pollutants by changing the aptamer, providing an effective method for detecting small-molecule pollutants.