An electrochemical aptasensor based on P-Ce-MOF@MWCNTs as signal amplification strategy for highly sensitive detection of zearalenone

•An electrochemical aptasensor based on P-Ce-MOF@MWCNTs had been developed.•The sensor exhibits wide linear range and low detection limit toward ZEN.•The sensor shows great specificity, stability, reproductivity and repeatability.•ZEN in semen coicis real samples had been detected by the propose method. In this research, a signal-off electrochemical aptasensor with high sensitivity was constructed for trace detection of zearalenone (ZEN). Specifically, Ce-based metal–organic framework and multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite was functionalized with polyethyleneimine (P-Ce-MOF@MWCNTs) and served as sensing platform for its high surface area and excellent electrochemical active. Subsequently, toluidine blue (TB) was electrodeposited as the signal probe, and platinum@gold nanoparticles (Pt@Au) were dropped for the attachment of aptamer (ZEA). In the presence of ZEN, the ZEA would specifically recognize and combine with the target, causing a decrease of electrochemical signal from TB. Under the optimal conditions, the aptasensor exhibited good linear relationship for ZEN in a concentration range from 5.0 × 10−5 to 50.0 ng/mL, while the limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) and limit of quantitation (LOQ, S/N = 10) were 1.0 × 10−5 ng/mL and 2.9 × 10−5 ng/mL, respectively. Ultimately, the aptasensor was successfully applied into ZEN detection in semen coicis real samples.