Synthesis of haptens and gold-based immunochromatographic paper sensor for vitamin B₆ in energy drinks and dietary supplements

We designed and synthesized novel haptens to produce monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against vitamin B₆ (VB₆). A group-specific mAb (2F9) that recognized pyridoxine (PN), pyridoxamine (PM), and pyridoxal (PL) was prepared using a homologous strategy with 50% maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 106.60, 250.57, and 400.11 ng/mL, respectively. Based on this, a gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-based immunochromatographic strip (ICS) test was established for the detection of VB₆ in energy drinks and B-vitamin complex tablets. The developed ICS test results could be semi-quantitatively evaluated by the naked eye within 10 min, and displayed the visual limit of detection (vLOD) values of 250, 500, and 1,000 ng/mL for PN, PM, and PL, respectively. For quantitative analysis, the results obtained by strip reader, with calculated LOD values for PN, PM, and PL were 14.10, 55.58, and 56.25 ng/mL, respectively. Commercial energy drinks and B-vitamin complex tablet samples were detected by the strips and the results were confirmed with high-performance liquid chromatography. Overall, the developed AuNPs-based immunochromatographic sensor was suitable and promising for the group-specific recognition and rapid detection of VB₆ in fortified foods and dietary supplements.