Label-Free and Multiplex Detection of Antibiotic Residues in Milk Using Imaging Surface Plasmon Resonance-Based Immunosensor

Monitoring of antimicrobial drug residues in foods relies greatly on the availability of adequate analytical techniques. Currently, there is a need for a high-throughput screening method with a broad-spectrum detection range. This paper describes the development of a microarray biosensor, based on an imaging surface plasmon resonance (iSPR) platform, for quantitative and simultaneous immunodetection of different antibiotic residues in milk. Model compounds from four major antibiotic families: aminoglycosides (Neomycin, Gentamicin, Kanamycin, and Streptomycin), sulfonamides (Sulfamethazine), fenicols (Chloramphenicol), and fluoroquinolones (Enrofloxacin) were detected using a single sensor chip. By multiplexing seven immunoassays in a competitive format, we were able to measure all the target compounds at parts per billion (ppb) levels in buffer and in 10x-diluted milk. The assays for Neomycin, Kanamycin, Streptomycin, Enrofloxacin, and Sulfamethazine were sensitive enough for milk control at maximum residue levels as established in the European Union. The overall performance of the biosensor was determined to be comparable to that of conventional four-channel surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensors, in terms of assay sensitivity and robustness. Combining the advantages of a SPR sensor and a microarray, utilization of the biosensor described here offers a promising alternative to the existing methods and is highly relevant for multianalyte food profiling.