Work

Multi-tapered optical fiber-based plasmonic biosensor with KMO nanoflowers and MWCNTs for highly sensitive detection of tetrodotoxin in real food samples

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a highly potent neurotoxin found in various marine and terrestrial organisms, including pufferfish, gastropods, blue-ringed octopuses, and amphibians. It blocks voltage-gated sodium channels on nerve cell membranes, inhibiting action potential propagation and potentially leading to respiratory failure and death. In this study, we report the development of a multi-tapered optical fiber-based plasmonic biosensor for the highly sensitive and selective detection of TTX in real food samples. The biosensor leverages localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) by functionalizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto the tapered regions of the optical fiber probe. To enhance sensing performance, potassium manganate (KMO) nanoflowers and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are co-integrated into the sensing region, offering improved surface area, stability, and electron transport. A specific aptamer for TTX is immobilized on the sensor surface to ensure selective binding. The sensor demonstrates excellent linearity in the 0-200 µg/L concentration range, and the limit of detection is 11.22 µg/L, with high sensitivity, reproducibility, and stability. Furthermore, it exhibits strong selectivity against interfering substances and maintains robust performance across variable pH levels. These results suggest that the proposed biosensor is well-suited for real-time, on-site TTX detection in food safety monitoring applications.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.571770