Using target-specific aptamers to enhance the peroxidase-like activity of gold nanoclusters for colorimetric detection of tetracycline antibiotics

Tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) are one kind of broad spectrum bacteriostatic agents. However, excessive use of TCs will have a threat to the environment and human health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a simple method for direct detection of TCs. Based on intrinsic peroxidase-like activity of gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), we used TC-specific aptamers (Apt) to improve the catalytic activity of AuNCs toward the peroxidase substrate 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation by H2O2, and established a colorimetric sensing platform for TCs. The catalytic enhancement by Apt allows for sensitive colorimetric detection of TCs, and Apt as molecular recognition elements can specifically combine with TCs leading to high selectivity. This developed sensing platform can quantitatively detect TCs in the concentration range of 1–16 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 46 nM. Interestingly, the naked-eye detection capability of this method is estimated to be 0.5 μM. Finally, the detection of TCs in real samples like drugs and milk was validated. [Display omitted] •A gold nanoclusters-based colorimetric aptasensor for tetracycline was presented.•Specificity and sensitivity of gold nanoclusters were greatly improved by aptamer.•The aptamer-enhanced peroxidase-like activity of gold nanoclusters was validated.•The sensor can accurately and reproducibly detect tetracycline in drugs and milk.