Analytical, thermodynamical and kinetic characteristics of photoluminescence immunosensor for the determination of Ochratoxin A.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most widespread and dangerous food contaminants. Therefore, rapid, label-free and precise detection of low OTA concentrations requires novel sensing elements with advanced bio-analytical properties. In the present paper we report photoluminescence (PL) based immunosensor for the detection of OTA. During the development of immunosensor photoluminescent ZnO nanorods (ZnO-NRs) were deposited on glass substrate. Then the ZnO-NRs were silanized and covalently modified by Protein-A (Glass/ZnO-NRs/Protein-A). The latest structure was modified by antibodies against OTA (Anti-OTA) in order to form OTA-selective layer (Glass/ZnO-NRs/Protein-A/Anti-OTA). In order to improve immunosensors selectivity the surface of Glass/ZnO-NRs/Protein-A/Anti-OTA was additionally blocked by BSA. Formed Glass/ZnO-NRs/Protein-A/BSA&Anti-OTA structures were integrated within portable fiber optic detection system, what is important for the development of low cost and portable immunosensors. The immunosensor has been tested in a wide range of OTA concentrations from 10-4ng/ml until 20ng/ml. Interaction isotherms were derived from analytical signals of immunosensor. Association constant and Gibbs free energy for the interaction of Glass/ZnO-NRs/Protein-A/Anti-OTA with OTA were calculated, analyzed and compared with some other related results. Sensitivity range and limit of detection were determined as 0.1-1ng/ml and 10-2ng/ml, respectively. Interaction kinetics of ZnO-NRs with OTA was evaluated. Response time of the immunosensor toward OTA was in the range of 500-800s. Some insights related to the mechanism of PL-signal generation are proposed and discussed.

Porous silicon based photoluminescence immunosensor for rapid and highly-sensitive detection of Ochratoxin A.

A rapid and low cost photoluminescence (PL) immunosensor for the determination of low concentrations of Ochratoxin A (OTA) has been developed. This immunosensor was based on porous silicon (PSi) and modified by antibodies against OTA (anti-OTA). PSi layer was fabricated by metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) procedure. Main structural parameters (pore size, layer thickness, morphology and nanograins size) and composition of PSi were investigated by means of X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. PL-spectroscopy of PSi was performed at room temperature and showed a wide emission band centered at 680 ± 20nm. Protein A was covalently immobilized on the surface of PSi, which in next steps was modified by anti-OTA and BSA in this way a anti-OTA/Protein-A/PSi structure sensitive towards OTA was designed. The anti-OTA/Protein-A/PSi-based immunosensors were tested in a wide range of OTA concentrations from 0.001 upto 100ng/ml. Interaction of OTA with anti-OTA/Protein-A/PSi surface resulted in the quenching of photoluminescence in comparison to bare PSi. The limit of detection (LOD) and the sensitivity range of anti-OTA/Protein-A/PSi immunosensors were estimated. Association constant and Gibbs free energy for the interaction of anti-OTA/Protein-A/PSi with OTA were calculated and analyzed using the interaction isotherms. Response time of the anti-OTA/Protein-A/PSi-based immunosensor toward OTA was in the range of 500-700s. These findings are very promising for the development of highly sensitive, and potentially portable immunosensors suitable for fast determination of OTA in food and beverages.