Quantum dots-based lateral flow strip assay for rapid detection of clenbuterol

Illegal addition of clenbuterol hydrochloride (CLB) in meat products causes a wide-ranging outbreak of illness in East Asia in recent years, hence establishment of an effective and easily popularized system for detection of CLB is extremely important. The methods of lateral flow strip assays (LFSAs) are commonly used in the detection of all manners of biomolecules, which can be applied to quantitative or semi-quantitative detection of multiple compounds in a single strip. The labels used in LFSAs are critical for strip sensitivity. Newly developed labeling material quantum dots (QDs), having the advanced properties including size-adjustable, bright fluorescence, strong resistance against photo bleaching, narrow band-edge luminescence and excellent compatibility with biological molecules, is under consideration to replace the conventional labeling vectors in LFSAs. Quantum dots has been predicted to be a robust reporter for LFSAs, showing great promise for sensitivity and of rapidness, steady, high efficiency and convenience. The preliminary studies showed that the detection of CLB with QD-based LFSAs was successful. A QD-labeled monoclonal antibody which has a high affinity to CLB was employed and competitive LFSAs format was used for the assay design, and a rather successful immuno-chromatographic assay model with QDs as reporter was developed for CLB detection. Future directions will involve optimization of the strip assay system, including elimination of non-specific signal, improvement of assay sensitivity and reduction of detection limit.