Ultrasensitive detection of Sudan I in food samples by a quantitative immunochromatographic assay

An immunochromatographic assay (ICA) based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for ultrasensitive determination of Sudan I in food samples was reported. Gold-silver core-shell bimetallic nanorods (referred to as Au@Ag NRs) were synthesized, characterized and used as the substrate for preparation of the ICA. Polyclonal antibody against Sudan I was immobilized on the surface of the Au@Ag NRs carrying the Raman reporter 5,5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid). The Raman scattering intensity on the test line was used for quantitation of Sudan I. The assay was completed in 15 min. IC₅₀ and limit of detection (LOD) were 30 pg mL^-1 and 0.2 pg mL^-1, respectively. There was no cross-reactivity (CR) of the assay with Sunset Yellow, Lemon Yellow and Brilliant blue FCF, but only 3.53%-9.74% CR with Sudan II, III and IV. The recoveries of Sudan I from spiked food samples were in the range of 88.9-107.6% with relative standard deviation of 3.7-8.7% (n = 3).