Development of Tb-Anthracene-9-Carboxaldehyde complex as a novel optical biosensor for rapid mycoplasma detection in serum samples of infected chickens

Abstract

Mycoplasma infections pose significant challenges to the poultry industry, causing substantial economic losses and necessitating rapid and accurate detection techniques. This study introduces a novel luminescent biosensor based on a terbium-Anthracene-9-Carboxaldehyde (Tb-Anthracene-9-Carboxaldehyde) complex functionalized with specific antibodies for sensitively detecting Mycoplasma gallisepticum in poultry serum samples. The sensor’s photophysical properties were optimized by investigating solvent environments and metal-to-ligand molar ratios, with DMSO and a 1:1 ratio yielding optimal luminescence. Antibody integration enhanced selectivity, while the mycoplasma antigen induced a concentration-dependent luminescence increase. The sensor demonstrated a linear response to mycoplasma concentrations, with a correlation coefficient 0.975 and detection limit 0.21 dose. The presence of antibodies enhanced selectivity, while adding mycoplasma antigen resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in luminescence intensity. This optical sensing approach offers a quick, sensitive, and selective method for early mycoplasma detection in complex biological matrices. The novel application of the Tb-Anthracene-9-Carboxaldehyde complex in this context provides a promising tool for monitoring bacterial contamination in the poultry industry, potentially improving food safety and reducing economic losses.