Immunoassays for the detection of macrocyclic lactones in food matrices - A review

Macrocyclic lactones including the avermectins, macrolides, and milbemycins are a group of antimicrobial agents that have been widely used in food-producing animals, and residues from these drugs may be present in edible tissues, milk, and eggs for human consumption. Thus, easy, rapid, and sensitive methods are required for the effective screening of these drugs in food and related matrices. Antibodies have been used as analytical tools in various assays and analysis techniques developed for food safety because of their inherent specificity and high affinity. This review discusses the advances in antibody-based analytical methods, i.e., immunoassays, for the screening and detection of macrocyclic lactones in food matrices. Hapten synthesis, bioconjugation, and antibody production for macrocyclic lactones are reviewed. Current sample preparation methodologies and the academic and commercial immunoassay tests for residues of macrocyclic lactones in food matrices are summarized and discussed.