Development of an immunochemical technique for the analysis of trichlorophenols using theoretical models

An immunoassay has been developed for trichlorophenol analysis on the basis of theoretical chemistry modeling studies. These data have allowed us to c hoose the optimum chemical structure of the immunizing hapten according to realistic similarities with the target analyte. The synthesis of this hapte n and the subsequent application of an appropriate immunization protocol ha ve lead to the production of polyclonal antibodies against the target analy te. A homologous direct competitive ELISA has been developed that can be ca rried out in about 1 h. It has a limit of detection of 0.2 +/- 0.06 mu g/L (1.01 +/- 0.3 nM) and it has been proven to tolerate a wide range of ionic strengths and pH values. Thus, the assay has acceptable features in samples with ionic strength between 4 and 56 mS/cm and pH values between 5.5 and 9 .5. Studies on the selectivity of this immunoassay have demonstrated a high recognition of the corresponding brominated analogues. Other phenolic comp ounds do not interfere significantly in the analysis of 2,4,6-trichoropheno l using this immunochemical technique, The accuracy of the assay has been e valuated using certified and spiked samples.