Portable sensing system based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for the simultaneous quantification of free and total microcystin-LR in freshwaters

Microcystins are the most worldwide extended and common toxins produced by cyanobacteria in freshwater. Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR), associated with the most toxic incidents involving microcystins, are within the cyanobacteria (intracellular) until released into the surrounding waters (extracellular) during cell lysis. Therefore, the relationship between intracellular and extracellular cyanotoxins will allow a comprehensive risk of cyanobacteria-containing waters, preventing disease and improving human safety. In this work, we present the development of a novel portable microfluidic sensing platform for the simultaneous detection of free (extracellular) and total MC-LR (intracellular and extracellular). The integrated system contains the sample processing and detection modules capable of performing the chemical lysis, filtration, sample mixing with antibodies, and electrochemical detection of MC-LR based on an indirect strategy. The performance of the immunosensors was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, showing a linear dynamic range between 3.3 × 10−4 and 10−7 g L−1 and a limit of detection of 5.7 × 10−10 g L−1. The results demonstrate the potential of the developed portable biosensor platform and its suitable application for the analysis of MC-LR at regulated levels for drinking water. Finally, the integrated system was able to simultaneously detect the free and total MC-LR on a Microcystis aeruginosa culture. To the best of our knowledge this is the first described system that can differentiate between intracellular and extracellular concentration of MC-LR. This novel electrochemical sensing platform avoids the multiple processing steps typically needed for standard MC-LR analysis in the laboratory and provides an early warning system for MC-LR remote monitoring in water. •A novel portable electrochemical sensing platform with sample processing integrating enzymatic and chemical lysis, cleaning/filtration, and mixing of the sample with the bio-ligand and detection modules was developed.•Simultaneous detection of free (extracellular) and total (intracellular and extracellular) MC-LR was attained.•Intracellular MC-LR was efficiently released by lysis of Microcystis aeruginosa cells using an enzymatic method.•The developed portable platform is suitable for the analysis of MC-LR at regulated levels for drinking water.