Rapid on-site detection of imazaquin residue in corn and soybeans using an immunochromatographic assay

Abstract

Imazaquin (IMQ) is an imidazolinone group herbicide widely used for weed control around the world. Due to excessive use during crop production, IMQ can accumulate in corn and soybeans, positing a potential threat to human health. In this study, a hapten that had high specificity and sensitivity was designed using computer-simulated technology. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) was synthesized with a half inhibitory concentration of 0.98 ng mL⁻¹. The mAb was incorporated into an immunochromatographic assay (ICA) for the detection of IMQ in corn and soybeans. The visual limit of detection was 10 μg kg⁻¹ in corn with a linear range of 3.85–208.26 μg kg⁻¹ and 5 μg kg⁻¹ in soybeans with a linear range of 3.78–106.71 μg kg⁻¹. Additionally, the ICA strips had excellent recovery rates, and the results were confirmed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Our study developed a method for the rapid on-site detection of IMQ residues in corn and soybeans.