A semi-quantitative dipstick assay for microcystin.

An immunochromatographic lateral flow dipstick assay for the fast detection of microcystin-LR was developed. Colloid gold particles with diameters of 40 nm were used as red-colored antibody labels for the visual detection of the antigen. The new dipstick sensor is capable of detecting down to 5 microg x l(-1) (ppb; total inversion of the color signal) or 1 ppb (observation of color grading) of microcystin-LR.