Displacement immunoassay for the detection of ochratoxin A using ochratoxin B modified glass beads

We report here the development of a new assay for the detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) based on the use of its dechlorinated analogue, ochratoxin B (OTB), in a displacement immunoassay. OTB was immobilised on controlled-pore glass beads followed by the binding of anti-OTA antibody, with anti-IgG antibody peroxidase conjugate used as a label. In this manner, an original bio-sensing material was obtained. Upon incubation of this material with OTA, the toxin competes with OTB for the binding sites of the anti-OTA antibodies and releases the antibody-tagged peroxidase complex into the solution. Compared to classic competitive immunoassays, this newly developed displacement immunoassay presents a similar detection limit and assay time. Moreover, the detection, based on the activity of the horseradish peroxidase, is performed for the first time in situ using wine samples.