Highly Sensitive Au25 Nanocluster-Based Electrochemical Biosensor Developed for Profenofos Detection with a 0.137 µg/L Limit

July 26, 2026

PubMed International

Overview

Research published on July 17, 2026, details the development of a highly active and sensitive electrochemical biosensor based on Au25 nanoclusters for efficient profenofos pesticide detection. This three-layer KBE-CS/Au25@MLG/GC electrode enhances performance by utilizing Au25@MLG and chitosan to adsorb and protect kidney bean enzyme (KBE). The optimized sensor detects profenofos within a wide linear range of 1-2000 µg/L, achieving a detection limit of 0.137 µg/L, and demonstrating excellent reproducibility, anti-interference, and stability in real samples.

In Depth

Key Findings

According to a research paper published on July 17, 2026, an innovative electrochemical biosensor based on Au25 nanoclusters has been developed, enabling highly active and sensitive detection of the pesticide profenofos. This sensor demonstrates a high detection limit of 0.137 µg/L, along with excellent reproducibility, anti-interference capabilities, and stability in real samples. These characteristics position it as a promising new tool for environmental monitoring and food safety inspections.

Technical and Clinical Details

The developed biosensor comprises a three-layer structure (KBE-CS/Au25@MLG/GC) on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode. This structure incorporates Au25 nanoclusters supported on multi-layered graphene (MLG), combined with chitosan (CS) and kidney bean enzyme (KBE). The Au25 nanoclusters, due to their unique electrochemical properties, promote the enzymatic activity of KBE and amplify the electrical signals generated by reactions with profenofos. Chitosan effectively adsorbs and immobilizes KBE, enhancing its stability and suppressing biofouling on the electrode surface. The optimized biosensor exhibits a favorable linear response to profenofos concentrations ranging from 1 to 2000 µg/L, achieving a high sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.137 µg/L. Furthermore, excellent selectivity against coexisting substances and long-term stability have been confirmed, strongly suggesting its applicability in real environmental samples.

Background and Industry Context

Profenofos is a widely used organophosphorus insecticide globally, and its residues pose significant concerns regarding environmental pollution and food safety. Due to its potential impact on human health and ecosystem toxicity, there is an urgent need for accurate and rapid technologies to monitor profenofos concentrations in the environment and food products. Traditional analytical methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, offer high precision but involve complex and time-consuming sample preparation and require expensive equipment. Electrochemical biosensors, owing to their rapidity, simplicity, and low cost, are emerging as promising alternatives for on-site pesticide detection. This Au25 nanocluster-based approach contributes to enhancing performance in this field.

Strategic Significance and Outlook

This Au25 nanocluster-based electrochemical biosensor holds the potential to revolutionize rapid and highly sensitive monitoring of profenofos contamination in the environment, as well as pesticide residue testing in food. Going forward, researchers are expected to further advance this technology, exploring its application for multiplex detection of other pesticides and environmental pollutants, and its integration into portable devices. Additionally, evaluating long-term stability and robustness in real-world conditions, along with verifying compliance with regulatory standards, will be crucial steps towards commercialization. Widespread adoption of this technology could significantly contribute to ensuring food safety and environmental protection, ultimately improving public health.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42076925/

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