Immunodetection of Porcine Red Blood Cell Containing Food Ingredients Using a Porcine-Hemoglobin-Specific Monoclonal Antibody

Abstract

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) 24C12-E7 has been found to bind to a 12 kDa antigenic protein in the red blood cell (RBC) of porcine blood. The purpose of this study was to determine the identity of this 12 kDa protein and consequently examine its potential as a marker for monitoring porcine RBC-containing ingredients (PRBCIs) in foods. Proteomic techniques identified the 12 kDa antigenic protein to be a monomer of the tetrameric hemoglobin molecule. Further heat-processing of spray-dried PRBCIs diminishes its detectability. Whereas mAb 24C12-E7-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) could detect 1% (v/v) or less of PRBCIs in raw and cooked ground meats (beef, pork and chicken), the detection limits were 3 to 30 times higher for spiked cooked beef and pork. The assay is effective for monitoring the presence of PRBCIs in foods to protect the billions of people that avoid consuming blood. In situations where these PRBCIs are present as ingredients in foods that have undergone further heat processing, the assay, however, may not be as sensitive depending on the types of sample matrix, types of PRBCIs and the level of inclusion.

Issues related to animal blood into food products: a review paper

“…Failing to inspect hygiene levels and implementing a monitoring system during the blood collection process contributes to the growth of pathogens which mainly occurs when the bleeding starts (Parés et al, 2011). As of late, consumers have risen up concerns to have proper food labels indicating the protein source used that might be extracted from blood-derived ingredients (Ofori and Hsieh, 2017). The need to have proper labelling is crucial because blood-derived products may potentially be affected by zoonotic threats such as hepatitis E virus (HEV) if the blood is not properly sterile or is collected from unhealthy animals (Boxman et al, 2017).…”

Food Proteins and Bioactive Peptides: New and Novel Sources, Characterisation Strategies and Applications

“…Total utilisation of by-products or co-products from food processing is important, not just in terms of the bio-economy, but it can also reduce environmental and economic costs for the processors while at the same time developing new products and markets [ 12 ]. In this special issue, Ofori and Hsieh examined the use of a monoclonal antibody to detect an antigenic protein in the red blood cells of porcine blood [ 13 ]. This development has potential for use by industry to protect consumers from eating porcine blood in food products and could be used for the vegan, vegetarian, Halal and Kosher product development markets.…”