A membrane-based immunosensor for the analysis of the herbicide isoproturon

A membrane based heterogeneous competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used in this work to develop an immunosensor for the detection of a common herbicide, isoproturon. A screen-printed carbon working electrode with carbon counter and silver-silver chloride pseudo-reference electrode was utilized incorporating a membrane fixed into intimate contact with the working electrode to facilitate signal transduction. The membrane containing an immobilized isoproturon-ovalbumin conjugate was laminated onto the carbon working electrode and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labeled polyclonal antibody was then applied for the competitive assay. Two different amperometric systems, hydroquinone and o-phenylenediamine (OPD) mediation reduction were utilised and the properties of the resultant sensors were compared. A flow injection apparatus was also developed utilising the immunosensor. Limits of detection for isoproturon (LLD(90)) were found to be as low as 0.84 ng mL(-1). The senor was also validated using spiked extracted soil samples and also isoproturon contaminated samples.