New Kid on the Block: Cerium Oxide Nanozyme Joins the Pesticide Detection Taskforce, According to Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis Study

Scientists develop a sensitive electrochemical detector based onbifunctionalcerium oxidenanozymeto identify organophosphate pesticides in plants

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Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Jan 18, 2022, 08:42 ET

, Jan. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Organophosphates, like methyl-paraoxon, have grown in prominence as effective pest repellants for crops like cotton and legumes. Studies have shown that these pesticides remain in trace concentrations in the final produce, and cause severe ill effects in humans, including neuro-, embryo-, geno-, cyto-, and immunotoxicity. Hence, detecting and removing even trace amounts of organophosphates in consumed plant products is imperative.

Scientists in China device a sensitive electrochemical method using bifunctional cerium oxide nanozyme to detect pesticide contamination in plants for human consumption.

Pesticide detection technologies are growing at a rapid pace worldwide. In this regard, a group of scientists in China have taken up the baton to advance pharmaceutical analysis of organophosphates in plants, beginning with methyl-paraoxon. Considering the therapeutic potentials of indigenous herbs, the scientists were concerned if these plants could be contaminated by methyl-paraoxon. Under the guidance of Dr. Peng Li, an expert in Chinese medicine and pharmaceutical analysis, from the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, they scouted for potential sensitive methyl-paraoxon detection methods.

Their research led them to cerium oxide nanozyme. Dr. Li explains, "Under the optimized conditions, we achieved desirable recoveries for different herbal samples using cerium oxide nanozyme. We believe that our electrochemical method can be practically applied in the rapid detection of pesticide residues." Their findings have been made public as a research article, available online on 8^th September 2020 and published in Volume 11 Issue 5 of the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis.

To arrive at their detection tool, the scientists modified glassy carbon electrode using the cerium oxide nanozyme. Using methods like cyclic voltammetry, they confirmed that there is significant signal enhancement owing to the presence of cerium oxide nanozyme.

Next, they used this electrode to detect methyl-paraoxon, degraded to p-nitrophenol using the same nanozyme. Their analysis showed that the developed electrochemical method provided an unprecedented wider linear range, from 0.1 to 100 mmol/L, and a detection limit of 0.06 mmol/L for methyl-paraoxon—quite respectable values, so to say.

Further, they validated this proof of concept, which is electrochemical detection of methyl-paraoxon using bifunctional cerium oxide nanozyme, using three Chinese herb samples—Coix lacryma-jobi, Adenophora stricta, and Semen nelumbinis.

The scientists believe that their design can be further improved by supporting cerium oxide nanozyme on porous or three-dimensional materials with large surface areas, to perform dual functions of catalysis and detection simultaneously, rather than in isolation.

Furthermore, they are hopeful about the extended application of their detection method. Dr. Li says, "With steady methodological improvement, we believe that our method, with its excellent electrochemical performance, can be used to detect other trace substances in a variety of solutions in the near future."

Overall, the study has paved the way for advanced research on effective detection of pesticides in various materials used for human consumption. Although we may not yet be closer to a completely organic future where our dependence on chemicals for growing our food is entirely eliminated, with such advanced technologies in place and adoption of monitoring practices, the judicious use of pesticides may be ensured, which could ultimately facilitate the realization of our organic, chemical-free future.

Reference
Title of original paper: Electrochemical detection of methyl-paraoxon based on bifunctional cerium oxide nanozyme with catalytic activity and signal amplification effect

Journal: Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpha.2020.09.002

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SOURCE Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis