Multiplex detection of microbial and plant toxins by immunoaffinity enrichment and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Kull, S., Pauly, D., Störmann, B., Kirchner, S. , Stämmler, M., Dorner, M. B., Lasch, P., Naumann, D. and Dorner, B. G. (2010) Multiplex detection of microbial and plant toxins by immunoaffinity enrichment and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Analytical Chemistry, 82(7), pp. 2916-2924. (doi: 10.1021/ac902909r) (PMID:20199054)

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Abstract

Plant and microbial toxins such as ricin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), and the botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) are considered as potential biological warfare agents. Specific screening methods are, therefore, required that enable unambiguous and sensitive identification of these biohazards, particularly for the occurrence of the toxins in complex sample matrixes. The present study describes a combination of a multiplex-immunoaffinity purification approach, followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-based detection for the simultaneous identification of ricin, SEB, BoNT/A, and BoNT/B. The method comprises an affinity enrichment step, using specific monoclonal antibodies for each of the four toxins which have been selected from a pool of antibodies. The selected antibodies allow for specific and simultaneous capture of ricin, SEB, BoNT/A, BoNT/B, and the corresponding BoNT complexes. These were subsequently identified by MALDI time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS), following tryptic digest. The sensitivity of the technique was approximately 500 fmol for each of the toxins. These toxins were detectable within 8 h, even when present in complex matrixes such as milk or juice. Furthermore, the MALDI-based multiplex assay allowed for the discrimination of closely related BoNT sero- and subtypes, including a real case of food-borne botulism in Germany.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kirchner, Dr Sebastian
Authors: Kull, S., Pauly, D., Störmann, B., Kirchner, S., Stämmler, M., Dorner, M. B., Lasch, P., Naumann, D., and Dorner, B. G.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Analytical Chemistry
Publisher:American Chemical Society
ISSN:0003-2700
ISSN (Online):1520-6882
Published Online:03 March 2010

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