Dual-Mode Quantitative Immunochromatographic Assay for Highly Sensitive On-Site Detection of Ciprofloxacin in Fish Products

Ciprofloxacin has been extensively utilized in aquaculture due to its remarkable efficacy in preventing and treating bacterial infections in fish animals. However, the widespread application of ciprofloxacin has led to significant residue accumulation, necessitating the development of rapid, sensitive and specific detection methods. In this study, we developed a novel dual-mode quantitative immunochromatographic assay based on a portable reader and a photothermal instrument, enabling on-site ciprofloxacin detection. Under optimized conditions, the portable reader mode (Mode 1) achieved a detection range of 0.1-100.0 ng/L with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 ng/mL. The photothermal instrument mode (Mode 2) achieved a detection range of 0.1-500.0 ng/mL with an LOD of 0.1 ng/mL. The sensitivity and accuracy of the method were validated using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. This developed method successfully detected ciprofloxacin residues in samples of <i>Parabramis pekinensis</i>, <i>Larimichthys crocea</i>, <i>Channa argus</i>, <i>Carassius auratus</i> and <i>Micropterus salmoides</i>, with satisfactory recovery rates. The results demonstrated excellent specificity and applicability across various fish product matrices, offering a reliable and efficient solution for the on-site monitoring of ciprofloxacin residues in fish products.