Paper Based Biosensor for the Detection of Antibiotic Residues in Milk

Abstract

The present study investigates the development and validation of a novel paper-based biosensor for the detection of antibiotic residues, specifically tetracycline, in milk, which is crucial for ensuring quality control in the dairy sector, a key component of agribusiness management. The effective management of antibiotic residues is vital not only for public health but also for maintaining consumer trust and compliance with international safety standards, which directly impacts the sustainability and profitability of the dairy industry. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic residues in dairy products, due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in livestock, poses significant public health risks, including the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To address this challenge, a cost-effective, portable, and environmentally friendly sensor was designed using Whatman filter paper and a Metal-Organic Framework (Cu-MOF) with peroxidase like activity. The sensor operates on a colorimetric principle, where the presence of tetracycline inhibits the oxidation of tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by hydrogen peroxide, resulting in a quantifiable color change. The Cu-MOF was synthesized and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming its successful formation and appropriate chemical structure. The sensor's sensitivity was tested across a range of tetracycline concentrations, achieving a detection limit of 0.1 µM, which is comparable to existing detection methods. The paper-based device demonstrated excellent stability over time and maintained its functionality under various storage conditions. This research highlights the potential of the developed sensor as a reliable tool for on-site detection of antibiotic residues in milk, contributing to food safety and public health. The sensor's ease of use, low cost, and effectiveness make it suitable for deployment in resource-limited settings, offering a practical solution to the widespread issue of antibiotic contamination in dairy products. Future work will focus on expanding the sensor's capabilities to detect other antibiotic classes and integrating a mobile application for real-time data analysis. This innovation not only ensures xv consumer safety but also supports the agribusiness sector in maintaining high standards of product quality and market competitiveness.