Detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B employing a piezoelectric crystal immunosensor

This paper reports on a study concerning the development of a biochemical sensor for Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB), a substance within the bracket of biological warfare. A 20 MHz piezoelectric quartz crystal sensor device was employed in a flow injection system. The assay for SEB is based on a competition scheme using polyclonal antibodies (anti-SEB). Three parameters, i.e. the flow rate in the flow cell, the incubation time and the anti-SEB concentration, were optimized. A detection limit of 0.1 microgram/ml was obtained, whereas at concentrations of SEB of 10 micrograms/ml or higher the sensor response was completely inhibited. The results were compared with a competition enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.