A rapid, multiplexed, and naked-eye-readable paper assay for detecting heavy metal pollution in food using a catalytic colorimetric reaction

ABSTRACT: Heavy metal contamination is a serious food safety issue. Herein, we report a rapid, multiplexed, and naked-eye-readable method for detecting heavy metal pollution in food samples, including milk, using an inexpensive colorimetric paper. We leverage the urease catalysis reaction to amplify...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ying Huang, Jianwei Wu, Wenping Yang, Qilin Qiu, Qin Liu, Jie Li, Jiangwei Wen, Wenbo Cheng, Xuhan Xia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of Dairy Science
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030224014462
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Summary:ABSTRACT: Heavy metal contamination is a serious food safety issue. Herein, we report a rapid, multiplexed, and naked-eye-readable method for detecting heavy metal pollution in food samples, including milk, using an inexpensive colorimetric paper. We leverage the urease catalysis reaction to amplify the presence of the heavy metal ions Hg2+ and Pb2+ by exploiting their strong inhibitory effect on urease. Integrating with a paper-folding strategy, the visual assay realizes rapid detection of over 10 samples within 5 min. It allowed detection of Hg2+ as low as 0.1 nM and Pb2+ as low as 2 μM. Results can be visually interpreted with the naked eye or a smartphone, making it practical for on-site testing and ensuring the safety of dairy products against metal contamination.
ISSN:0022-0302