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Development of a Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Strip for Rapid and Quantitative Detection of Small Molecule Compounds
Published on: November 13, 2021
Computer-Aided Rational Hapten Design for Broad-Spectrum Monoclonal Antibody Development against Anthraquinones and
Jiaxun Li1,2, Lingling Guo1,2, Xiaoling Wu1,2
1International Joint Research Laboratory for Biointerface and Biodetection, and School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P. R. China.
Analytical Chemistry
|June 30, 2026
Summary
A new gold nanoparticle-based lateral flow immunoassay (GNP-LFIA) can rapidly detect seven harmful anthraquinones (AQs) in plant-derived foods. This method offers accurate, on-site screening for food safety, protecting consumer health from toxic compounds.
Area of Science:
- Food Chemistry and Safety
- Analytical Chemistry
- Immunotechnology
Background:
- Plant-derived foods are essential but can contain health-risking anthraquinones (AQs).
- Long-term intake of AQs necessitates rapid, simultaneous detection methods for multiple AQs.
- Seven specific AQs (AQ, emodin, rhein, chrysophanol, aloe emodin, alizarin, purpurin) are of concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop a sensitive immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of seven AQs.
- To investigate the molecular recognition mechanism between an antibody and AQs.
- To validate a rapid, on-site detection method for AQs in various food matrices.
Main Methods:
- Computer-aided design of four haptens based on the AQ parent nucleus structure.
- Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to analyze antibody-antigen recognition mechanisms.
- Development of a gold nanoparticle-based lateral flow immunoassay (GNP-LFIA) using a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb-4D7).
Main Results:
- MD simulations revealed key amino acid residues (TRP90, ASP99, TYR31) involved in broad-spectrum AQ recognition via Pi-Pi stacking, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions.
- The developed GNP-LFIA achieved low limits of detection for the seven AQs in tea, aloe vera, and herbal drinks (ranging from 5.025 to 34.112 μg/kg).
- Real sample analysis demonstrated high consistency between GNP-LFIA and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), confirming method accuracy and stability.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully developed a robust GNP-LFIA for the simultaneous, rapid screening of multiple AQs in plant-derived foods.
- The findings provide a reliable technical tool for ensuring food safety and protecting public health from AQ contamination.
- Understanding the molecular interactions enhances antibody design for broader analyte detection.
