Highly Sensitive Detection of Food Contaminants Based on an Efficient Quadrupedal DNA Walker

Abstract This research details the development of a highly efficient quadrupedal DNA walker designed for the detection of food contaminants. A cruciform DNA probe was synthesized through a straightforward methodology. Upon specific recognition between target analytes and aptamer sequences, the quadrupedal DNA walker is activated. This activation obviates the need for complex assembly procedures, thereby improving both operational simplicity and efficiency. Under equivalent conditions, the quadrupedal walker demonstrates a reduced balancing time and enhanced signal amplification efficiency. The proposed quadrupedal DNA walker facilitated highly sensitive detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), malathion (MAL), ochratoxin A (OTA), and acetamiprid (ACE). This flexibility shows that the system can be expanded to identify various contaminants, successfully overcoming the traditional “one-analyte-one-method” limitation and emphasizing its wide-ranging modularity and adaptability. Therefore, this study introduces a robust platform for food contaminant detection, presenting significant potential for advancing food safety monitoring and safeguarding public health.