Rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace aconitum phytotoxin by SERS

The dual functions of phytotoxin, such as aconitine, with biological activity and toxicity ignited the related food poisoning intentionally or accidentally from time to time. The fast and accurate qualitative analysis is a prerequisite for tracking the source of poisoning and taking correct treatments. Taking the single molecule level sensitivity and molecular fingerprinting of Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), we developed a highly sensitive and accurate strategy for the trace detection of three structurally similar aconitines (ATs) (aconitine, mesaconitine and hypoaconitine) by employing the 100 nm Ag NPs colloid as the SERS substrate. It was figured out that the lowest detectable concentration is in the level of 5.0 μg/L for these three ATs with the linear range of 5.0-100.0 μg/L. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace ATs spiked in various food samples was realized in 3 mins, which demonstrated the SERS based strategy is very promising towards the fast and on-site detection of ATs in the field of food safety or criminal identification.