Development of Cu-doped CeO2 nanospheres mimic nanozyme-based immunoassay for the specific screening of Bacillus cereus

Due to the highly similar genetic background, it is difficult to distinguish Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) with other members of B. cereus group. Herein, an antibody-based colorimetric immunoassay using Cu-doped CeO2 nanospheres as peroxidase mimics was developed for the detection of B. cereus in food. First, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and polyclonal antibody (pAb) with good specificity to B. cereus were prepared and characterized. Second, the regular-shaped hollow Cu/CeO2 nanospheres with highly catalytic activity and biocompatibility were synthesized as mimic nanozymes to capture secondary antibody. Finally, a sandwich colorimetric immunoassay for the specific and sensitive detection of B. cereus was developed, showing linear detection range from 3.2 × 102 to 1 × 105 CFU/mL and a limit detection of 1.7 × 102 CFU/mL. The developed immunoassay holds great potential as an effective tool for detecting B. cereus in food poisoning.Graphical abstract