Characterization of a Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Water‐Soluble Petroleum Compounds as Determined by an ELISA Method and by a Biosensor Technology

Abstract

Immunoassays are becoming a suitable alternative method to classical analytical chemistry for the detection of contaminants. A synthesized immunogen and hybridoma screening protocol was employed to develop a novel high affinity anti‐dibenzothiophene (petroleum) antibody for an immunochemical‐based quantitative approach to chemical analysis. The characterization of this mAb has been completed with regards to its affinity to the targeted molecule, as well as other similar polycyclic aromatic compounds found in petroleum. Two technologies, the long‐established ELISA and a newly developed Biosensor, were compared with respect to this mAb's sensitivity and specificity. The ELISA method could detect individual compounds from 3–300 ppb, while the Biosensor could detect at low as 0.1 ppb. Based on cross‐reactivity analyses, this anti‐dibenzothiophene mAb also detects anthracene, phenanthrene, fluorene, dibenzofuran, pyrene, fluoranthene, while not detecting naphthalene or biphenyl, thereby suggesting that it is selective for the 3 and 4 ringed polycyclic aromatic compounds. Future applications of this Biosensor for detection of the water‐accommodated fraction of petroleum seem promising as an alternative or supplement to classical chemical analysis. This research has been supported by the Office of Naval Research and the College of William and Mary's School of Marine Science Student Research Grant.