Sensitive detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus via a dual-recognition colorimetric biosensor comprising Cefe-PEG-MNPs and apt-Fe@PDA

Highly accurate and sensitive detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus is crucial for ensuring seafood safety and preventing the transmission of foodborne diseases. Herein, a dual-recognition strategy-driven colorimetric biosensor for the detection of V. parahaemolyticus was developed. This biosensor was based on the use of PEG-mediated cefepime-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (Cefe-PEG-MNPs) and aptamer-modified Fe-doped polydopamine (Fe@PDA) nanozymes. The magnetic platform Cefe-PEG-MNPs was introduced to enhance the enrichment efficiency of V. parahaemolyticus, achieving a capture efficiency exceeding 90%. The Fe@PDA nanozyme exhibited notable peroxidase mimetic enzyme activity. The colorimetric biosensor developed for V. parahaemolyticus detection demonstrated good sensitivity, with a detection range spanning from 2.1 × 101 to 2.1 × 106 CFU/mL, and a limit of detection of 21 CFU/mL. Moreover, the biosensor demonstrated remarkable specificity, achieving good recovery rates from 95.80% to 103.80% in Penaeus vannamei with a relative standard deviation of less than 1.38%. The newly developed colorimetric biosensor offers a remarkable opportunity for the accurate and sensitive detection of V. parahaemolyticus in seafood. •A dual-recognition strategy-driven biosensor was developed for Vibrio parahaemolyticus detection.•The colorimetric biosensor was constructed by Cefe-PGA-MNPs and apt-Fe@PDA.•Apt and Cefe were used as recognition elements to capture V. parahaemolyticus.•The biosensor showed high sensitivity for detecting V. parahaemolyticus in Penaeus vannamei.