A facile dual-mode immunosensor based on speckle Ag-doped nanohybrids for ultrasensitive detection of Ochratoxin A

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent carcinogen, and is among the most dangerous mycotoxins in agricultural products. In this study, an ultrasensitive dual-mode immunosensor was developed for naked-eye and fluorescence detection of OTA based on Ag-doped core–shell nanohybrids (Ag@CSNH). Complete antigen-labeled Ag@CSNH (CA-Ag@CSNH) were used as a competitive bind and dual-mode probe. The diffused doping structure of CA-Ag@CSNH provided improved stability, color and fluorescence quencher performance. Antibodies modified magnetic beads were used as a capture probe. The competitive binding between OTA and CA-Ag@CSNH produced both color change and fluorescence quenching. Ultraviolet and fluorescence intensitie correlated linearly with OTA concentration ranges of 0.03–3 ng/mL and 10–10000 pg/mL, and limits of detection of 0.0235 ng/mL and 0.9921 pg/mL, respectively. The practical applicability of proposed strategy was demonstrated by analysis of OTA in spiked corn, soybean and flour samples. This study offers a new insight on multi-mode platforms for various applications.