Integrating Target-Triggered Aptamer-Capped HRP@Metal-Organic Frameworks with a Colorimeter Readout for On-Site Sensitive Detection of Antibiotics

Anal Chem. 2020 Oct 20;92(20):14259-14266. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c03723. Epub 2020 Sep 30.

Abstract

Colorimetric analytical strategies exhibit great promise in developing on-site detection methods for antibiotics, while substantial recent research efforts remain problematic due to dissatisfactory sensitivity. Taking this into account, we develop a novel colorimetric sensor for in-field detection of antibiotics by using aptamer (Apt)-capped and horseradish peroxidise (HRP)-embedded zeolitic metal azolate framework-7 (MAF-7) (Apt/HRP@MAF-7) as target recognition and signal transduction, respectively. With the substrate 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)-impregnated chip attached on the lid, the assay can be conveniently operated in a tube and reliably quantified by a handheld colorimeter. Hydrophilic MAF-7 can not only prevent HRP aggregation but also enhance HRP activity, which would benefit its detection sensitivity. Besides, the catalytic activity of HRP@MAF-7 can be sealed through assembling with Apt and controllably released based on the bioresponsivity via forming target-Apt complexes. Consequently, a significant color signal can be observed owing to the oxidation of colorless TMB to its blue-green oxidized form oxTMB. As a proof-of-concept, portable detection of streptomycin was favorably achieved with excellent sensitivity, which is superior to most reported methods and commercial kits. The developed strategy affords a new design pattern for developing on-site antibiotics assays and immensely extends the application of enzyme embedded metal-organic framework composites.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / analysis*
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry*
  • Benzidines / chemistry
  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Catalysis
  • Colorimetry
  • Coloring Agents / chemistry
  • Enzymes, Immobilized / chemistry*
  • Horseradish Peroxidase / chemistry*
  • Limit of Detection
  • Metal-Organic Frameworks / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Streptomycin / analysis*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Benzidines
  • Coloring Agents
  • Enzymes, Immobilized
  • Metal-Organic Frameworks
  • 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine
  • Horseradish Peroxidase
  • Streptomycin