Detection of AFB1 via TiO2 Nanotubes/Au Nanoparticles/Enzyme Photoelectrochemical Biosensor

TiO2 nanotubes/Au nanoparticles/enzyme photoelectrochemical biosensor is developed by the chemical bonding of acetylcholinesterase with Au nanoparticles-modified TiO2 photoactive electrode, based on the inhibitory effect of aflatoxin B1 on acetylcholinesterase activity. In this method, AuNPs were deposited on the surface of the electrode by potentiostatic deposition and the acetylcholinesterase was chemically crosslinked to the surface for determination of aflatoxin B1. Enzymatic hydrolysate is generated to capture the photogenerated holes of UV-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays, causing magnification of the photoelectrochemical signal. The photoelectrochemical biosensor morphological and structural details were evaluated, applying different techniques, such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Aflatoxin B1 competitively inhibits acetylcholinesterase, leading to a decrease in photocurrent that should have been increased. The detection performance of biosensors for different concentrations of AFB1 is discussed. The linear response range of the biosensor is from 1–6 nM with detection limitation of 0.33 nM, the linear equation is I (μA) = −0.13C (nM) + 9.98 (μA), with a correlation coefficient of 0.988. This new biosensor could be used to detect Aflatoxin B1 in foods.