Use of monoclonal antibodies for the analysis of mycotoxins

Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies against aflatoxin M1, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, T-2 toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol, 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol, fusarenon X, and roridin A were developed after immunization of BALB/c mice and fusion of the splenocytes with myeloma cells. The antibodies were characterized in terms of immunoglobulin subclass, sensitivity, and specificity. The use of these antibodies in competitive enzyme immunoassays, either as microtiter plate assays or membrane-based quick tests, as well as for the production of immunoaffinity columns is described. The advantages and disadvantages of monoclonal antibodies compared to polyclonal antisera for the improvement of mycotoxin analysis are discussed.