Ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on PVA-co-PE nanofibrous membrane for the detection of chloramphenicol residues in milk

Abstract

An ultrasensitive label-free amperometric immunosensor for the detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) residues in milk has been developed by using a screen-printed carbon electrode laminated with a layer of poly (vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (PVA-co-PE) nanofibrous membrane that is covalently immobilized with a CAP antibody (anti-CAP). The performance of the PVA-co-PE nanofiber membrane (PVA-co-PE NFM) on the electrode was compared with a PVA-co-PE casted membrane (PVA-co-PE CM), necessary fabrication steps and performance of the sensors were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The application of the PVA-co-PE NFM decreased the electron-transfer-resistance by about 4 times compared with a conventional PVA-co-PE casted membrane. Under the optimal conditions, the established immunosensor exhibited high sensitivity for determination of CAP in a range 0.01-10 ng mL^-1, with a limit of detection of 0.0047 ng mL^-1. In addition to the good selectivity, reusability and stability over time, the prepared immunosensor was successfully used in the detection of CAP in milk samples without any pretreatment.

Keywords: Chloramphenicol; Electrochemical immunosensor; Label-free; Milk; Nanofibers; PVA-co-PE.