Colloidal gold nanoparticle probe-based immunochromatographic assay for the rapid detection of chromium ions in water and serum samples

An immunochromatographic assay (ICA) using gold nanoparticles coated with monoclonal antibody (McAb) for the detection of chromium ions (Cr) in water and serum samples was developed, optimized and validated. Gold nanoparticles coated with affinity-purified monoclonal antibodies against isothiocyanobenzyl-EDTA (iEDTA)-chelated Cr³⁺ were used as the detecting reagent in this completive immunoassay-based one-step test strip. The ICA was investigated to measure chromium speciation (Cr³⁺ and Cr⁶⁺ ions) in water samples. Chromium standard samples of 0–80 ng mL⁻¹ in water were determined by the test strips. The results showed that the visual lowest detection limit (LDL) of the test strip was 50.0 ng mL⁻¹. A portable colorimetric lateral flow reader was used for the quantification of Cr. The results indicated that the linear range of the ICA with colorimetric detection was 5–80 ng mL⁻¹. The ICA was also validated for the detection of chromium ions in serum samples. The test trips showed high stability in that they could be stored at 37 °C for at least 12 weeks without significant loss of activity. The test strip also showed good selectivity for Cr detection with negligible interference from other heavy metals. Because of its low cost and short testing time (within 5 min), the test strip is especially suitable for on-site large-scale screening of Cr-polluted water samples, biomonitoring of Cr exposure, and many other field applications.