Dual readout biosensor based on AIE-type immunomagnetic ZIF-8: From sample pretreatment to multi-residue detection

Emerging contaminants seriously jeopardize food safety and even human health. This study presents the formation of all-in-one aggregation-induced emission (AlE)-type immunomagnetic ZlF-8 (AlMZ) through an ultra-simple self-assembly method in an aqueous phase, successfully harnessing the functions of immuno-recognition, luminescence, and magnetism, Here, we have achieved a dual enhancement in detection efficiency rapidly enriching targets and performing a triple lateral flow immunoassay (LFlA) for ractopamine, diethylstilbestrol, and chloramphenicol within 40 minutes, The dual readout biosensor was then configured to automatically extract the color intensity values of the three test lines using a smartphone. A portable sensing platform ensures stable temperature and light intensity in non-laboratory environments, providing favorable conditions for immunological detection. This study demonstrated low detection limits of 0.11, 0.14, and 0.01ug/L for ractopamine, diethylstilbestrol, and chloramphenicol, respectively, Applications in pork and tap water showed excellent practicality and stability, with recovery rates ranging from 87.2 % to 112.7 %, emphasizing the potential for applications in food and environmental safety.