Integrating CdInS semiconductors with S-vacancy MoS nanosheets to fabricate a multi-channel aptasensing chip for photoelectrochemical detection of multiple mycotoxins.

Background: The importance of multi-target simultaneous detection lies in its ability to significantly boost detection efficiency, making it invaluable for rapid and cost-effective testing. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors have emerged as promising candidates for detecting harmful substances and biomarkers, attributable to their unparalleled sensitivity, minimal background signal, cost-effectiveness, equipment simplicity, and outstanding repeatability. However, designing an effective multi-target detection strategy remains a challenging task in the PEC sensing field. Consequently, there is a pressing need to address the development of PEC sensors capable of simultaneously detecting multiple targets.

Results: CdInS/V-MoS heterojunctions were successfully prepared via a hydrothermal method. These heterojunctions exhibited a high photocurrent intensity, representing a 1.53-fold enhancement compared to CdInS alone. Next, we designed a multi-channel aptasensing chip using ITO as the substrate. Three working electrodes were created via laser etching and subsequently modified with CdInS/V-MoS heterojunctions. Thiolated aptamers were then self-assembled onto the CdInS/V-MoS heterojunctions via covalent bonds, serving as recognition tool. By empolying the CdInS/V-MoS heterojunctions as the sensing platform and aptamers as recognition tool, we successfully developed a disposable aptasensing chip for the simultaneous PEC detection of three typical mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and zearalenone (ZEN)). This aptasensing chip exhibited wide detection range for AFB1 (0.05-50 ng/mL), OTA (0.05-500 ng/mL), and ZEN (0.1-250 ng/mL). Furthermore, it demonstrated ultra-low detection limits of 0.017 ng/mL for AFB1, 0.016 ng/mL for OTA, and 0.033 ng/mL for ZEN.

Significance And Novelty: The aptasensing chip stands out for its cost-effectiveness, simplicity of fabrication, and multi-channel capabilities. The versatility and practicality enable it to serve as a powerful platform for designing multi-channel PEC aptasensors. With its ability to detect multiple targets with high sensitivity and specificity, the aptasensing chip holds immense potential for applications across diverse fields, such as environmental monitoring, clinical diagnostics, and food safety monitoring, where multi-target detection is crucial.