Quantitative Rapid Magnetic Immunoassay for Sensitive Toxin Detection in Food: Non-Covalent Functionalization of Nanolabels vs. Covalent Immobilization

Abstract

In this study, we present a novel and ultrasensitive magnetic lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) tailored for the precise detection of zearalenone, a mycotoxin with significant implications for human and animal health. A versatile and straightforward method for creating non-covalent magnetic labels is proposed and comprehensively compared with a covalent immobilization strategy. We employ the magnetic particle quantification (MPQ) technique for precise detection of the labels and characterization of their functionality, including measuring the antibody sorption density on the particle surface. Through kinetic studies using the label-free spectral phase interferometry, the rate and equilibrium constants for the binding of monoclonal antibodies with free (not bound with carrier protein) zearalenone were determined to be kon = 3.42 × 105 M−1s−1, koff = 7.05 × 10−4 s−1, and KD = 2.06 × 10−9 M. The proposed MPQ-LFIA method exhibits detection limits of 2.3 pg/mL and 7.6 pg/mL when employing magnetic labels based on covalent immobilization and non-covalent sorption, with dynamic ranges of 5.5 and 5 orders, correspondingly. We have successfully demonstrated the effective determination of zearalenone in barley flour samples contaminated with Fusarium graminearum. The ease of use and effectiveness of developed test systems further enhances their value as practical tools for addressing mycotoxin contamination challenges.

Super-Enhancers and Their Parts: From Prediction Efforts to Pathognomonic Status

“…Focusing on future research directions for SE investigation, there is a promising horizon where breakthroughs and evolving technologies could significantly enhance our grasp of SE complexities. Key areas of interest could include delving into the molecular bases of diseases, particularly cancer [ 283 , 284 , 285 , 286 , 287 ], probing molecular interactions with state-of-the-art optical methods [ 288 , 289 , 290 , 291 ], leveraging magnetic nanotags for the ultraprecise detection of biomolecules [ 292 , 293 , 294 , 295 , 296 , 297 , 298 , 299 ], applying advanced label-free biosensors [ 300 , 301 , 302 , 303 , 304 ], and utilizing cloud computing to analyse genome-wide data comprehensively [ 305 , 306 ]. These avenues not only promise to deepen our understanding of SE but also potentially redefine its conceptual framework.…”

Exploring the Efficacy of Using Geotrichum fermentans, Rhodotorula rubra, Kluyveromyce marxiamus, Clay Minerals, and Walnut Nutshells for Mycotoxin Remediation

“…Mycotoxins, a class of toxic secondary metabolites naturally produced by various mold species, pose a significant threat to human and animal health due to their ubiquity and potential for contamination in various food and feed supplies [ 1 ]. Aspergillus , Penicillium , Fusarium , and Alternaria microscopic species fungi are the main mycotoxins producers [ 2 ].…”

“…However, the European Union regulation on feedstuffs has so far established aflatoxin concentrations (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) by Directive 32/2002 (European Communities 2002). Moreover, additional “guidance values” have been published by the European Commission for several other compounds such as DON, ZEA, fumonisins (FUM), ochratoxin A (OTA) (European Commission 2006), and T-2 and HT-2 toxins (European Commission 2013) [ 1 , 7 ].…”