A sensitive and regenerable biosensor for organophosphate pesticide based on self‐assembled multilayer film with CdTe as fluorescence probe

A fluorescence biosensor for organophosphorus pesticides was developed. A pH indicator, CdTe quantum dots, were used as an optical transducer of the inhibition of enzyme by analyte. Through the intervening agency of chitosan, the recognition elements (acetylcholinesterase and CdTe) were immobilized onto the surface of quartz by electrostatic attraction to form a self‐assembled multilayer film. In the absence of pesticide, acetylcholine was biocatalytically hydrolysed to yield acetic acid and choline. The released acid resulted in pH decrease, which was sensed by the immobilized pH indicator (CdTe). In the presence of pesticide, the action of acetylcholine was reduced; the fluorescence intensity of the film changed and was related to the concentration of pesticide. This multilayer film could be used as the biosensor for monocrotophos, with a detection limit of 3.20 × 10^?8 mol/L; the sensitivity was 100 times higher than that of CdTe in aqueous solution. The sensor was easily regenerated, and had good stability and selectivity for organophosphorus pesticides. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.