A dual-modal biosensor coupling cooperative catalysis strategy for sensitive detection of AFB1 in agri-products

[Display omitted] •Cooperative catalysis between HRP and nanocomposite improved sensitivity of sensor.•DNA-switching protocol toward AFB1 overcomes complex matrices interference.•The limit of 0.2 pg/mL for AFB1 is qualified for the safety inspection of AFB1.•Dual-modality strategy provides an accurate means for monitoring trace pollutants. Herein, the cooperative catalysis effect between nanocomposite (AgPd NPs/POD-M/PEI-rGO) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was applied for the fast and sensitive detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Upon specific and competitive binding of HRP@DNA and AFB1 to cDNA, the working electrode presented different catalytic capacities for supporting electrolytes (TMB and H2O2). In the redox mechanism of TMB and H2O2, HRP and nanocomposite effectively catalyzed the oxidization of TMB to form the one-electron oxidation intermediate TMB+, and contributed the electrical signals and absorbance signals. Electrochemistry and colorimetric analyses were successfully realized for AFB1 detection with 0.2 pg/mL and 8 pg/mL of detection limits, respectively, which is much lower than that of traditional HPLC methods. Overall, this method had significant reliability and sensitivity, offering a promising potential for conveniently evaluating the quality of agri-products polluted with AFB1. Moreover, this approach provides a new idea for fast and accurate detection of mycotoxin.