Quantum dot-based lateral flow immunoassay for detection of chloramphenicol in milk

A novel rapid (20 min) fluorescent lateral flow test for chloramphenicol (CAP) detection in milk was developed. The chosen format is a binding-inhibition assay. Water-soluble quantum dots with an emission peak at 625 nm were applied as a label. Milk samples were diluted by 20 % with phosphate buffer to eliminate the matrix effect. The result of the assay could be seen by eye under UV light excitation or registered by a portable power-dependent photometer. The limit of CAP detection by the second approach is 0.2 ng/mL, and the limit of quantitation is 0.3 ng/mL.