Histamine detection in fish samples based on indirect competitive ELISA method using iron-cobalt co-doped carbon dots labeled histamine antibody

Due to complex matrixes and specific reagent deficiency, the rapid detection of histamine is still a challenge to date. Based on the high peroxidase-like activity of iron-cobalt co-doped carbon dots, an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) was established for histamine detection using the mimic enzyme labeled with histamine antibody (His-Ab). Through the competitive binding of the labeled His-Ab to solid-phase and sample antigens, histamine content was detected with a linear range of 2.5–150 μg mL −1 . The detection limit based on 3σ/K was 0.50 mg kg −1 , which was much lower than those of commercial His-kit and HPLC methods. The ic-ELISA method was applied to histamine detection in fish samples with the recovery of (103.4 ± 0.5)%, which was in accord with those of commercial His-kit and HPLC methods. The results indicated that the established ic-ELISA method was suitable for rapid detection of histamine in fish samples with high accuracy, sensitivity and stability.