Quantitative detection of malachite green in sediment by a time-resolved immunofluorescence method combined with a portable 3D printing equipment platform

Abstract

Rapid detection technology of aquaculture fishery drug residues is needed to supplement large-scale instrument methods. To do this, the time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA) method and portable three-dimensional (3D) printing equipment platform were used, in combination with smartphones, to detect malachite green (MG) in pond sediments. The TRFIA was coupled to MG monoclonal antibodies (mAb) through lanthanide metal microspheres europium (Eu³⁺). The labeled antibody produced competitive immunity in the immune reaction system, and the specific fluorescence intensity in the product was determined by a portable 3D printing equipment platform to achieve quantitative analysis. To test this method, leucomalachite green (LMG) was converted to MG by oxidation of dicyanoquinone (DDQ), and a qualitative analysis was achieved. Methodological evaluation results were satisfactory, recoveries were 83 %-104 %, the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.3 ng/g, the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 0.7 ng/g, and the coefficient of variation was 1.3 %-7.3 %. The linear equation y = -0.1496x + 0.5585 was in the range of 0-10 ng/g. The linear regression correlation coefficient was 99.2 %. The TRFIA was confirmed and positive samples were measured. Results were consistent with the standard method, which demonstrated that the TRFIA was feasible and that the detection results were reliable. Compared with the national standard method, the TRFIA saves time, is more convenient, and has high sensitivity. It provides an efficient technical method for the rapid screening of MG in the sediments of aquaculture environments.

Keywords: Europium microspheres; Malachite green; Smartphones; Time-resolved immunofluorescence.