Signal amplification using colloidal gold in a biolayer interferometry-based immunosensor for the mycotoxin...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Food Safety
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a harmful mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi, contaminating staple crops like wheat.
• DON poses significant risks to animal health and food safety, necessitating rapid monitoring methods.
• Current monitoring methods can be time-consuming, highlighting the need for faster analytical techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid biosensor for detecting Deoxynivalenol (DON) in wheat.
• To enhance signal detection using a primary antibody-colloidal gold conjugate for improved sensitivity.
• To establish both qualitative and quantitative assays for DON monitoring in wheat.

Main Methods:

• Development of a biosensor based on biolayer interferometry (BLI).
• Utilized a primary antibody-colloidal gold conjugate for signal amplification.
• Validated the biosensor against a reference chromatographic method using naturally contaminated wheat samples.

Main Results:

• The BLI biosensor demonstrated a limit of detection of 0.09 mg kg⁻¹ and a limit of quantitation of 0.35 mg kg⁻¹.
• Average recovery rates for spiked wheat samples were 103% (RSD = 12%).
• Quantitative assay showed high correlation (r² = 0.9698) with chromatographic methods; qualitative assay accurately classified samples relative to a 0.5 mg kg⁻¹ threshold.

Conclusions:

• The developed BLI biosensor provides a rapid and effective method for measuring DON in wheat.
• The amplification strategy significantly improved detection capabilities.
• This technique holds promise for routine food safety analysis and quality control of wheat.