Metal-enhanced bioluminescence by detergent stabilized Ag and Au nanoparticles.

The assessment of microbial contamination is an important aspect of ensuring human food safety. One of the modern methods for the evaluation of microbial contamination is the estimation of the amount of ATP using firefly luciferase. In this case, the choice of an effective composition of the extraction buffer is crucial. In this study, we examined the influence of silver and gold nanoparticles on the firefly bioluminescent system during the ATP extraction process. It was found that gold nanoparticles stabilized with benzalkonium chloride and Triton X-100 enhanced bioluminescent system signal intensity due to metal-enhanced bioluminescence. Moreover, silver and gold nanoparticles could be used as extracting agents. So, using gold nanoparticles stabilized with BAC and Triton X-100 as ATP extraction agents with further detection by a bioluminescent system makes it possible to develop an ATP biosensor with higher sensitivity. [Display omitted] • Safe and sensitive bioluminescent method of microbial contamination assessment. • Explanation of MEB-effect in firefly bioluminescence. • Bioluminescent signal enhancement due to adding gold and silver nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]