Bismuth based MOF for low concentration non-enzymatic histamine electrochemical detection

In this paper, we report the synthesis and chemical, structural, and electrochemical characterization of a bismuth naphthalene dicarboxylate-based metal-organic framework (NDC-Bi MOF) and its bimetallic copper-containing derivative (NDC-Bi(Cu) MOF) for histamine sensing. Using square wave voltammetry (SWV), electrodes modified with NDC-Bi(Cu) MOF showed high sensitivity toward histamine detection, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 20.1 µg/L and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 60.06 µg/L. The sensor also displayed high selectivity for histamine in the presence of structurally related amino acids, highlighting its potential for detecting specific targets. To evaluate the robustness of the platform, histamine detection was conducted in complex food matrices, namely salmon and wine. For salmon, the LOD and LOQ were determined to be 21.01 µg/L and 70.18 µg/L, respectively, while for wine, these values were 26.9 µg/L and 89.7 µg/L. These findings support the selective and sensitive response of NDC-Bi(Cu) MOF toward histamine detection, including in complex sample matrices. To validate its practical applicability, the NDC-Bi(Cu) MOF was successfully integrated onto a commercial carbon-based chip and tested via chronoamperometry, a rapid and portable-compatible technique. The proof of concept chip-based configuration retained a clear and selective chronoamperometric response towards histamine even in the presence of potentially interfering species, supporting its suitability for miniaturized, real-time, and scalable electrochemical sensing. Overall, this study highlights the potential of NDC-Bi(Cu) MOF as a promising electrochemical material for rapid histamine detection in a proof-of-concept configuration.