A multiplex fluorescent microsphere immunochromatography assay for simultaneous detection of phorate, fenthion, and profenofos

The mass production and use of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) have led to a threat to human health. Therefore, establishing a sensitive, rapid, and high-throughput detection method is of great importance. In this study, computer-aided molecular design was firstly applied to design the specific haptens of phorate (PHO), fenthion (FEN), and profenofos (PRO), and high-performance monoclonal antibodies against PHO, FEN, and PRO were prepared. On this basis, a multiplex fluorescent microsphere immunochromatographic assay (FM-ICA) was developed for simultaneous detection of three OPs in cowpea and orange samples. The quantitative detection ranges of PHO, FEN, and PRO were 9.039–140.129, 6.686–108.613, and 5.215–71.479 μg/kg, respectively, in cowpeas; and 7.120–121.566, 3.592–92.185, and 3.579–60.081 μg/kg, respectively, in oranges. The results of recovery and real sample testing showed that the multiplex FM-ICA was rapid and accurate, making it suitable for the on-site testing of a large number of samples.