Multi-analytic detection of antibiotic residues in honey using a multiplexing biochip assay

Contamination of honey may occur through the common use of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics by certain beekeepers to cure or to prevent bacterial or other bee diseases. In order to protect human health the use of antimicrobials in apiculture is usually strictly regulated or banned. LC/MS/MS is currently regarded the tool of choice for analysis of drug residues in animal-derived food. Screening methods (immunoassays and biosensors) are also required and are being developed.

The present paper reviews one of the most recent methods for analysis of drug residues in honey and also the abridged method validation according to the criteria set by Commission Decision 2002/657/EC for simultaneous determination of drug residues in honey samples using a test panel which screens for quinolones (QNL), ceftiofur (CEFT), thiamphenicol (TAF), streptomycin (STR), tylosin (TYL) and tetracyclines (TCN).

A chemiluminescence--based biochip array sensing technique has been applied. Using a multiplex approach, metabolites of CEFT, TAF, QNL, STR, TCN and TYL were simultaneously detected in honey samples.

The simultaneous immunoassays showed specificity for the target analytes. The limits of detection were between 1 microg/kg for TAF and 9 microg/kg for TCN. Good linearity was obtained, with determination coefficients higher than 0.980. The decision limit (CCalpha) and the capability of detection (CCbeta) were well below established Reference Point for Action (RPA). Method applicability was demonstrated through application to various kinds of honey.

Biochip array technology allows simultaneous and selective multi-analytic measurement of antimicrobials in honey at levels well below established Reference Point for Action (RPA). The performance of biochip screening method was comparable to that achieved for the confirmatory LC/MS/MS method.