Development of ic-ELISA and an immunochromatographic strip assay for the detection of aristolochic acid Ⅰ

Abstract

The toxicity of aristolochic acids (AAs) in traditional Chinese medicine has recently caused widespread concern worldwide. In this study, we developed a gold nanoparticle (GNP) immunochromatographic assay (ICA) for the rapid detection of AA I in herbs. Firstly, by the method of immunization and cell fusion, we screened a highly specific and sensitive monoclonal antibody (2A8), which has a half-maximum inhibition concentration of 5.02 ng/ml. On this basis, we developed a lateral-flow ICA strip, having a visual limit of detection and a cut-off limit of 0.25μg/g and 0.5μg/g respectively. The results from this could be obtained within 5 min using the naked eye. Therefore, the ICA is suitable for the on-site detection and mass screening of AA Ⅰ in herbs.