Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
10:10
Development of a Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Strip for Rapid and Quantitative Detection of Small Molecule Compounds
Published on: November 13, 2021
High sensitive gold-nanoparticle based lateral flow Immunodevice for Cd2+ detection in drinking waters
Adaris M López Marzo1, Josefina Pons, Diane A Blake
1Nanobioelectronics & Biosensors Group, Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|April 13, 2013
Summary
A new lateral flow immunosensor device (LFID) detects cadmium (Cd2+) in water with unprecedented sensitivity. This paper-based sensor achieves the lowest detection limit for metal detection, significantly below drinking water standards.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biosensors
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Accurate and sensitive detection of heavy metals like cadmium in water is crucial for public health.
- Existing methods for cadmium detection can be complex, time-consuming, and require specialized equipment.
- Lateral flow devices (LFDs) offer potential for rapid, on-site water quality monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel lateral flow immunosensor device (LFID) for the determination of cadmium ions (Cd2+) in drinking and tap water.
- To develop a highly sensitive and specific method for cadmium detection using a competitive assay format.
- To optimize the LFID for enhanced sensitivity and reduced detection limits.
Main Methods:
- Development of a Cd-EDTA-BSA-AuNP conjugate as a signal producer.
- Utilizing a competitive reaction between the conjugate and sample Cd-EDTA for antibody binding sites.
- Immobilization of a Cd-EDTA specific monoclonal antibody (2A81G5) on the test line.
- Optimization of reagent concentrations to enhance sensitivity in the LFD.
Main Results:
- The LFID demonstrated a broad response range (0.4–2000 ppb) with a linear response between 0.4 and 10 ppb.
- Achieved quantification and detection limits of 0.4 and 0.1 ppb, respectively, the lowest reported for paper-based metal sensors.
- The detection limit is 50 times lower than the maximum contamination level for drinking water.
- Demonstrated effective masking of metal interferences using optimized EDTA and OVA concentrations.
Conclusions:
- The developed LFID provides a highly sensitive and rapid method for cadmium detection in water.
- The sensor's low detection limit meets stringent drinking water quality standards.
- The study presents a novel strategy for enhancing sensitivity in competitive format LFDs.
- The device shows good specificity, making it suitable for real-world water quality monitoring.
