Detection and quantification of tetracycline in chicken and egg using fluorescence nano-sensor based on metal-organic framework

Abstract

fluorescence nano-sensor based on metal-organic framework (MOF) Abstract Background: TC is an antibiotic from the family of tetracyclines, which is widely used for poultry to treat bacterial infection and also as growth promoter due to its broad antimicrobial activity, less toxicity, and cheap price. However, the overuse of TC leads to its residue in food products including meat and eggs. In this regard, there are major concerns about the risks to food safety and human health. Therefore, the progress of efficient approaches to determine the tetracycline level is strongly needed. Purpose: Therefore, the purpose of this research is design of a fluorescence nanosensor based on MOFs for the detection and measurement of TC antibiotic residues in chicken meat and eggs. Research method: In this study, the fluorescence organic-metallic frameworks of Ce@NH2-MIL-101(Cr)MOF constructed via post-synthetic attachment of Ce3+ into a NH2-MIL-101(Cr)MOF. After the synthesis of organic-metallic frameworks, the morphological and structural properties, elemental analysis, crystallographic properties, molecular interactions, thermal stability, porosity and specific surface area and fluorescence properties were investigated. The optimization of the test conditions, including the optimal pH (3-12), incubation time (0-540 s), and concentration of Ce@NH2-MIL-101(Cr) MOF (0.075-1.5 mg/L) was performed using a fluorescence spectrometer. In the present study, validation was carried out to determine the the linear range, detection limit, limit of quantification, the precision and accuracy, selectivity, stability and repeatability of the nanosensor under optimal conditions. Finally, the performance of the fluorescence nanosensor Ce@NH2-MIL-101(Cr)MOF for the detection of TC in food samples (chiken meat and egg) compared to common standard methods such as HPLC, using the standard addition method (spiking) was measured and determined. Findings: The results showed that the designed Ce@NH2-MIL-101(Cr)MOF fluorescence nanosensor had very good characteristics, sensitivity, reproducibility, stability, and selectivity for measuring the TC. The LOD value obtained for the TC using this nanosensor is 1.08 ppb, which is less than the MRL established by international organizations.Most importantly, the nanosensor could be used for the detection of TC in fopd samples (chicken meat and eggs) with good recoveries, the obtained values were in good agreement with the HPLC results. Conclusion: Various parameters on the fluorescence intensity of the designed nanosensor were investigated and optimized. Under optimal conditions, the designed nanosensor showed good performance for detecting and determining the amount of tetracycline with a wide linear range with a low detection limit and a short time in food samples.

Keywords: Metal-Organic Framework, Fluorescence sensor, Antibiotic, Rapid detection, Food safety.