Rigidifying aggregation-induced emission luminogens by metal-organic framework formation for sensitive lateral flow...

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• T-2 toxin, a potent type A trichothecene, contaminates staple foods like barley, wheat, and corn.
• Rapid and sensitive detection methods for T-2 toxin are crucial for ensuring food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for T-2 toxin detection.
• To improve upon existing LFIA methods using novel antibody and reporter systems.

Main Methods:

• Development of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) with a low IC50 (0.482 ng mL⁻¹).
• Synthesis of an aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based metal-organic framework (HfMOFs) as a fluorescent reporter (QY: 72.5%).
• Implementation of the HfMOFs-mAb system in a lateral flow immunoassay format.

Main Results:

• The developed HfMOFs-LFIA achieved a limit of detection (LoD) of 0.0487 ng mL⁻¹, 7.7-fold lower than traditional nanoparticle-based LFIA.
• The assay demonstrated satisfactory recovery rates (71.3%-123.7%) and coefficients of variation (2.96%-14.07%) in actual food samples.
• The combination of an improved mAb and AIE-based HfMOFs reporter significantly enhanced LFIA sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• The novel HfMOFs-LFIA provides a rapid, sensitive, and reliable method for T-2 toxin detection.
• Dual improvements in monoclonal antibody and fluorescent label design offer innovative prospects for LFIA in food safety applications.
• This advanced LFIA technology contributes to enhanced monitoring and safety of agricultural products and human food.