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

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.