MXene catalytic amplification-fluorescence/absorption dimode aptamer sensor for the detection of trace Pb2+ in milk

Abstract

Lead ion (Pb2+) is a toxic heavy metal, which is very harmful to organisms. Therefore, the establishment of a rapid, simple, and sensitive method is of great significance to food safety and human health. It was found that MXeneTi3C2 nanosheet (NS) has a strong catalytic effect on the oxidation of 3,3,5,5-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) via H2O2 to form the oxidized product (TMBOX); it has a strong fluorescence peak at 415 nm and an absorption (Abs) peak at 295 nm. The aptamer of Pb2+ (Aptpb) can be adsorbed on the surface of an NS to form MXene-Apt conjugates, which reduces its catalytic active sites and inhibits its catalytic activity. When the target Pb2+ is added, it specifically binds with Aptpb to release MXene NSs to enhance the dimode signals. Therefore, a new MXene catalytic fluorescence/absorption dimode aptamer biosenering platform was fabricated for the determination of trace Pb2+ in milk and water samples, with the fluorescence assay linear range (LR) of 5.0 × 10−2-2.0 nmol/L.