A Y‑Shaped\nPeptide-Based Antifouling Electrochemical\nAptasensor for Sensitive Aflatoxin B1 Detection in Food

Conquering surface fouling of sensors\ncaused by nonspecific adsorption\nand accumulation of foulants in a food matrix is of significance in\naccurate food safety analysis. Herein, an antifouling electrochemical\naptasensor based on a Y-shaped peptide and nanoporous gold (NPG) for\naflatoxin B1 detection in milk, tofu, and rice flour was proposed.\nThe self-designed Y-shaped peptide involves an anchoring segment (-C),\na support structure (-PPPP-), and an antifouling domain with two branches\n(-EK(KSRE)DER-) inspired by two bioactive peptides. NPG offers not\nonly good electroconductibility but also anchor sites for peptides\nand aptamers. The antifouling surface can effectively resist fouling\nfrom single protein and carbohydrate solutions and even real food.\nThe proposed aptasensor achieves sensitive detection with a low limit\nof detection of 0.26 pg mL<sup>–1</sup> (linear range: 0.001–10\nng mL<sup>–1</sup>) and accurate analysis with minimal sample\npretreatment (recoveries: 91.0–110.8%), offering a potential\nsensing platform to lower matrix interference.