Rapid and Highly Sensitive Detection of Fentanyl and its Analogs by a Novel Chemiluminescence Immunoassay

Abstract

A highly sensitive immunoassay with sub-picogram limit of detection for fentanyl and a wide range of fentanyl analogs has been developed, using a novel high affinity antibody fused with NanoLuc, a small-size luciferase that can emit strong and stable luminescence. When applied to unaltered clinical human urine samples, the assay has sub-picogram limit of detection for fentanyl, with results fully concordant with gold standard liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. When applied to environmental samples, the assay can detect as low as 0.25 pg fentanyl per inch2 environment surface. Assay turn-around-time is less than 1 hour, with inexpensive equipment needed and potential for high throughput automation or in-field screening. This novel assay has broad potential applications in clinical, environmental, occupational and forensic scenarios by detecting trace amount of fentanyl and its analogs to keep frontline workers safe.