Development of monoclonal antibodies for the detection of diuron in water and sugarcane and their application in immunochromatographic strips

Abstract

Diuron (DR) as a chemical herbicide persists in soil and water for a long time and causes extensive harm to humans. We have produced an excellent monoclonal antibody (mAb) with the ability to sensitively and specifically recognize DR in water and sugarcane samples. The semi-inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of this mAb was 0.28 ng mL⁻¹, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.07 ng mL⁻¹. Based on the mAb, an immunochromatographic assay (ICA) strip was developed. The visual detection limits of the strip assay were estimated, and the critical values of DR in water and sugarcane samples were determined to be 5 and 10 ng mL⁻¹, respectively, when assessed by the naked eye. The ICA strip was validated by HPLC-MS for water and sugarcane samples which had been spiked with DR. This ICA strip could be a useful tool for in-site and rapid detection of DR in water and sugarcane samples.