A colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip for quantitative detection of azoxystrobin in vegetables

In this study, a highly specific and sensitive monoclonal antibody (mAb) against azoxystrobin (AZX) was prepared. Based on this mAb and the use of colloidal gold, an immunochromatographic strip (ICS) was developed to specifically detect AZX in cucumber, tomato, and cabbage samples. For qualitative detection, the cut off value using the ICS was 100 ng mL(-1) using the naked eye and results could be seen within 10 min. For quantitative detection, the linear regression equations were obtained using a strip reader and the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were found to be 4.16, 10.64, and 8.90 ng mL(-1) in cucumber, tomato, and cabbage samples, the limit of detections (LODs) were 0.36, 1.03, and 0.92 ng mL(-1), and the linear detection ranges (IC20-IC80) were respectively 0.64-21.77, 1.86-65.15, and 1.62-49.26 ng mL(-1). The intra-assay recoveries range from 82.5% to 91.4%, with a coefficient of variation of less than 8.2%, and the inter-assay recoveries range from 81.7% to 92.5%, with the coefficient of variation less than 10.2%. The results demonstrated that the ICS could be used as a rapid tool for the qualitative and quantitative detection of AZX in vegetable samples.

Automated summary

In this study, an immunochromatographic strip (ICS) was developed for the specific detection of AZX in vegetable samples, using a highly specific and sensitive monoclonal antibody (mAb). The ICS showed qualitative detection within 10 minutes and quantitative detection with linear regression equations, IC50 values, LODs, and linear detection ranges for cucumber, tomato, and cabbage samples. The results showed that the ICS could be a rapid and accurate tool for the detection of AZX in vegetable samples.