Visual and photometric determination of histamine using unmodified gold nanoparticles

Abstract

The authors describe a colorimetric approach for on-site monitoring of histamine based on the use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) that have a negatively charged surface due to the presence of adsorbed citrate ions. Histamine has two basic functional groups, an aliphatic amino group and an imidazole ring. Under the experimental conditions, the protonated aliphatic amino group drives the imidazole ring into close proximity to the AuNPs due to electrostatic attraction. This accelerates the replacement of citrate ions by the imidazole ring because of the strong affinity between imidazole and AuNPs. As a consequence, the two groups synergistically induce the aggregation of the AuNPs and trigger a visible color change from red to blue. The minimum visually detectable histamine concentration is 1.81 μM, which is comparable to the limit of detection (LOD) of the electrochemical approaches at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1. When using absorbance at 522 nm, the LOD is lowered to 38 nM. The method was applied to the determination of histamine in fish samples.

Latest advances in sensors for optical detection of relevant amines: insights into lanthanide-based sensors

“…[26][27][28][29] Huang et al described a colorimetric method for on-site monitoring of histamine in fish samples, based on negatively charged AuNPs with adsorbed citrate ions. 30 Due to the affinity between the imidazole group and the AuNPs, the replacement of citrate ions by the imidazole ring occurred, resulting in a well-defined colour change from red to blue. Using UV-Vis absorbance at 522 nm, the LOD was established to be 38 nM.…”

Optical sensors for determination of biogenic amines in food

“…Inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used in optical sensing due to their stability, good solubility, and favorable luminescence properties [10,43]. The aggregationinduced change of the surface plasmon resonance of stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) after interaction with histamine allows to create a colorimetric approach for on-site monitoring (LOD 38 nM) based on the electrostatic interaction of citrate-modified AuNPs with the ammonium group of the BAs [28]. Histamine was also detected visually down to 1.81 μM in fish samples from a red-to-blue color change.…”

Current Trends in Detection of Histamine in Food and Beverages

“…Using photometric detection at 522 nm decreased the detection limit to 30 nM. This method was tested for real unspoiled fish samples . Modified carbon black was used as a label in a colorimetric on-chip immunoassay of histamine, enabling visual detection of the signal on a nitrocellulose surface with an LOD of 8 μg/mL …”