Electrochemical determination of zearalenone in agricultural food samples using a flower like nanocomposite-modified electrode

We detected Zearalenone in real dairy, juices and other liquid food specimens using a screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with a new three dimensional carnation flower-like Tb3+/Co3O4 nanocomposite (3D CF-L Tb3+/Co3O4 NC sensor). The physicochemical properties of the 3D CF-L Tb3+/Co3O4 NC were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDX) methods. The appreciable properties of the as-prepared sensor were high electrical conductivity, large surface area, abundant binding sites and excellent stability. The electrochemical analysis of the modified electrode was characterized by differential pulse voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The peak current of Zearalenone was variable based on changes in pH values due to its proton receptor groups. The best signal of Zearalenone in the phosphate buffer solution on the basis of the maximum signal of received stream was observed at the pH value of 7.0. The sensor showed a wide linear dynamic range (0.001–500.0 μM) and a narrow limit of detection (0.34 nM) for the Zearalenone concentration. Our electrochemical sensor was also successful in determination of Zearalenone in the real samples.