Label-free Microcantilever Immunosensor Based on a Competitive Immunoassay for the Determination of Clenbuterol

A label-free microcantilever immunosensor based on a competitive immunoassay is reported for the determination of clenbuterol. The immunosensor was fabricated by modifying clenbuterol-ovalbumin on the gold surface of the microcantilever with crossing linkage by L-cysteine and glutaraldehyde. Atomic force microscopy was utilized to characterize the construction of immunosensor and to measure the deflection of the microcantilever. The deflection response of the microcantilever was in negatively proportional to the concentration of clenbuterol from 1.0x10(-2) to 20 mu g/L with a limit of detection of 1.0x10(-2)mu g/L. The fabricated immunosensor was used to determine clenbuterol in pork samples with satisfactory results. In addition, the results were in accordance with those obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography. The reported immunosensor displayed high sensitivity and specificity together with excellent repeatability and reliability.