First application of a microsphere-based immunoassay to the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs): quantification of Cry1Ab protein in genetically modified maize

J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Feb 21;55(4):1071-6. doi: 10.1021/jf061506p.

Abstract

An innovative covalent microsphere immunoassay, based on the usage of fluorescent beads coupled to a specific antibody, was developed for the quantification of the endotoxin Cry1Ab present in MON810 and Bt11 genetically modified (GM) maize lines. In particular, a specific protocol was developed to assess the presence of Cry1Ab in a very broad range of GM maize concentrations, from 0.1 to 100% [weight of genetically modified organism (GMO)/weight]. Test linearity was achieved in the range of values from 0.1 to 3%, whereas fluorescence signal increased following a nonlinear model, reaching a plateau at 25%. The limits of detection and quantification were equal to 0.018 and 0.054%, respectively. The present study describes the first application of quantitative high-throughput immunoassays in GMO analysis.

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins / analysis*
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Toxins / analysis*
  • Bacterial Toxins / genetics
  • Endotoxins / analysis*
  • Endotoxins / genetics
  • Fluorescent Dyes*
  • Hemolysin Proteins / analysis*
  • Hemolysin Proteins / genetics
  • Immunoassay / methods*
  • Microspheres*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / chemistry*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / genetics
  • Seeds / chemistry
  • Zea mays / chemistry*
  • Zea mays / genetics

Substances

  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Endotoxins
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • insecticidal crystal protein, Bacillus Thuringiensis