Development of a ZnCdS@ZnS quantum dots–based label-free electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for sensitive determination of aflatoxin B 1 in lotus seed

In this study, we designed a ZnCdS@ZnS quantum dots (QDs)–based label-free electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for sensitive determination of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ). A Nafion solution assembled abundant QDs on the surface of a Au electrode as ECL signal probes, with specially coupled anti-AFB 1 antibodies as the capturing element. As the reduction reaction between S 2 O 8 2− in the electrolyte and QDs on the electrode led to ECL emission, the decreased ECL signals resulting from target AFB 1 in the samples were recorded for quantification. We evaluated electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and ECL measurements along each step in the construction of the proposed immunosensor. After systematic optimization of crucial parameters, the ECL immunosensor exhibited a good sensitivity, with a low detection limit of 0.01 ng/mL for AFB 1 in a wide concentration range of 0.05–100 ng/mL. Testing with lotus seed samples confirmed the satisfactory selectivity, stability, and reproducibility of the developed ECL immunosensor for rapid, efficient, and sensitive detection of AFB 1 at trace levels in complex matrices. This study provides a powerful and universal analytical platform for a variety of analytes that can be used in broad applications for real-time analysis, such as food and traditional Chinese medicine safety testing, environmental pollution monitoring, and disease diagnostics. Graphical abstract Development of a ZnCdS@ZnS quantum dots based label-free electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for sensitive detection of aflatoxin B 1 in lotus seed.