Sandwich Immunoassays for the Determination of Peanut and Hazelnut Traces in Foods

Abstract

People suffering from food allergies are dependent on accurate food labeling, as an avoidance diet is the only effective countermeasure. Even a small amount of allergenic protein can trigger severe reactions in highly sensitized patients. Therefore, sensitive and reliable tests are needed to detect potential cross-contamination. In this paper two fast sandwich immunoassays are described for the determination of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and hazelnut (Corylus avellana) traces in complex food matrices. Mouse monoclonal antibodies were used as capture antibodies, and labeled rabbit polyclonal antibodies were used as detection antibodies in both assays. The assay time was 30 min in total, and cross-reactivities against a variety of fruits and seeds were found to be in the low 10(-4)% (ppm) level or in some cases not detectable. The recoveries in all tested food matrices ranged from 86 to 127%, and the limits of detection were in the range of 0.2-1.2 mg/kg (ppm) in food for both peanut and hazelnut, respectively.

Determination of food authenticity by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

“…Some researchers have developed successfully ELISA techniques (using polyclonal antibodies and MAbs) to detect them into ice creams, chocolates or sauces (Kiening et al, 2005;Yeung & Collins, 1996).…”

Comparison and Functional Evaluation of the Allergenicity of Different Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) Protein Extracts

“…At present, different techniques, such as immunoassays, immunoblotting, immuno-electrophoresis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), PCR-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and mass-spectrometry are available to detect and/or quantify (trace amounts of) hazelnut proteins (Kiening et al 2005, Ben Rejeb et al 2003, Arlorio et al 2007, Hird et al 2000, van Hengel 2007, Blais and Phillippe 2001, Yman et al 2006, Scheibe et al 2001, Holzhauser et al 2002. However, the value of the results obtained with these techniques will strongly depend on the quality of the extract used.…”

Detection of Allergen Markers in Food: Analytical Methods

“…Investigation of antibody reactivity of six commercial ELISA kits against purified peafi nut allergens (Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3, and Ara h 6) demonstrated that five commercial kits were most sensitive in detecting Ara h 3 followed fi by Ara h 1, whereas one kit showed greater sensitivity in the detection of Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 [77]. [86][87][88], macadamia nut [89], pecan [90], pistachio [91], and walnut [92,93]. As with peanut, the associated allergenicity and abundance of seed storage proteins in tree nuts make them candidate proteins for the detection of tree nuts in foods.…”