An electrochemical sensor based on 2D Zn-MOFs and 2D C-Ti3C2Tx composite materials for rapid and direct detection of various foodborne pathogens.

Rapid screening for foodborne pathogens is crucial for food safety. A rapid and one-step electrochemical sensor has been developed for the detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium). Through the construction of aptamer/two-dimensional carboxylated Ti3C2Tx (2D C-Ti3C2Tx)/two-dimensional Zn-MOF (2D Zn-MOF) composites, the recognition elements, signal tags, and signal amplifiers are integrated on the electrode surface. Pathogens are selectively captured using the aptamer, which increases the impedance of the electrode surface，leads to a decrease in the 2D Zn-MOF current. Bacteria can be rapidly quantified using a one-step detection method and the replacement of aptamers. The detection limits for E. coli, S. aureus, and S. typhimurium are 6, 5, and 5 CFU·mL-1, respectively. The sensor demonstrated reliable detection capabilities in real-sample testing. Therefore, the one-step sensor based on the 2D Zn-MOF and 2D C-Ti3C2Tx has significant application value in the detection of foodborne pathogens.