Development of chemiluminescent methods for explosives detection

The present work was finalised to develop chemiluminescent assays more sensitive and easy to use than the analytical methods currently in use to detect traces of TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene), TATP (Triacetone triperoxide) and HMTD (Hexamethylene triperoxide diamine). For TNT detection we developed an indirect competitive ELISA with chemiluminescent end-point (CL-ELISA) and a Lateral Flow ImmunoAssay (LFIA) for on-site analysis, based both on monoclonal antibody commercially available and conjugates specifically synthesized. For the peroxide-based explosives TATP and HMTD we developed an indirect assay which measures, by luminol emission, the H2O2 released by these compounds. Both methods showed good sensitivity and reproducibility, with detection limit, LOD, and IC50 values in the ng mL -1 range, CV values lower than 10%. This indirect assay was finally optimized for using in a portable luminometer.