Rapid detection of OTA and ZEN with dual quantum dots fluorescence immunochromatographic test strip

Mycotoxin contamination in agri-food systems has been a serious global concern over the past few decades. Corn is easily contaminated by Ochratoxin A (OTA) and Zearalenone (ZEN), which seriously threaten the survival and health of humans and animals. Herein, a rapid and sensitive method of OTA and ZEN dual quantum dots (QDs) fluorescence immunochromatographic test strip was established in this study. OTA and ZEN fluorescence probes were prepared by carbodiimide. The OTA-OVA, ZEN-BSA and staphylococcal protein A were sprayed on the nitrocellulose filter membrane as the T1 line, T2 line and control line of the dual test strip, which exhibited high sensitivity, accuracy and specificity. For quantitative detection of OTA, the linear regression equation was y = 0.3222x + 0.3834 (R² = 0.9687), LOD and IC₅₀ were 0.132 ng/mL and 2.296 ng/mL, and the linear detection range was 0.269 ng/mL to 19.588 ng/mL. In addition, for quantitative detection of ZEN, its linear regression equation was y = 0.3077x + 0.3777 (R² = 0.9648), LOD and IC₅₀ were 0.125 ng/mL and 2.495 ng/mL, and the linear detection range was 0.264 ng/mL to 23.55 ng/mL. Briefly, the OTA and ZEN dual QDs immunochromatographic test strip was favored for the simultaneous detection of OTA and ZEN in corn.