Comparison of immunochromatographic assays based on fluorescent microsphere and quantum-dot submicrobead for quantitative detection of aflatoxin M1 in milk

The performance of fluorescent microsphere immunochromatographic assay (FM-ICA) and quantum-dot submicrobead immunochromatographic assay (QB-ICA) was systematically and comprehensively compared in quantitative detection of aflatoxin M1 in milk. Under optimum conditions, the advantages of FM-ICA include lower limit of detection of 42.3 pg/mL with better accuracy, precision, reliability, and practicability. The advantages of QB-ICA include shorter detection time and lower monoclonal antibody consumption. The 2 ICA were consistent with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. This study serves as a reference for selecting appropriate fluorescent labels for the immunochromatographic assay of aflatoxin M1.