[Simple immunoassays of pesticides based on the biotin-streptavidin system]

A simple method was developed for the preparation of a highly active streptavidin-peroxidase conjugate that enhances fourfold the sensitivity of bioassays. Using this conjugate, a quantitative assay of simazine and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (competitive ELISA) and a noninstrumental express method for simultaneous detection of these pesticides (dot-immunofiltration assay) were developed. The detection limit of the pesticides is 3-4 and 2 ng/ml and the duration of the assays is 1.5 h and 5 min for ELISA and dot-immunofiltration, respectively. The express method is easy and straightforward and enables the assay to be performed outside the laboratory.