Abstract

Background: Saxitoxin (STX) stands as one of the most potent marine biotoxins, exhibiting high lethality. Despite its severity, current treatments remain ineffective, and existing detection techniques are limited due to ethical concerns and technical constraints.

Methods: Herein, an innovative approach was constructed for STX detection, utilizing mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) as a foundation. This innovative, easy, and label-free aptamer (Apt)- sensor was fabricated. Apts were employed as molecular identification probes and "gated molecules," while rhodamine 6G was encapsulated within particles to serve as a signal probe. In a lack of STX, Apts immobilized on an MSN surface kept a "gate" closed, preventing signal probe leakage. Upon the presence of STX, the "gate" opened, allowing a particular binding of Apts to STX and a subsequent release of a signal probe.

Results: Experimental results demonstrated a positive correlation between fluorescence intensity and concentrations of STX within a range of 1 to 80 nM, with an exceptional limit of detection of 0.12 nM. Furthermore, the selectivity and stability of a biosensor were rigorously evaluated, validating its reliability.

Conclusion: This newly developed sensing strategy exhibits remarkable performance in STX detection. Its success holds significant promise for advancing portable STX detection equipment, thereby addressing a pressing need for efficient and ethical detection methods in combating marine biotoxin contamination.

Keywords: Aptamer, fluorescent sensing, saxitoxin, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, marine toxins, shellfish poisoning.