Development of rapid assays for the detection of fungi and mycotoxins

Abstract

The detection of fungi and the analysis of mycotoxins in grain and other commodities traditionally require considerable time, expertise and often, sophisticated equipment. This leads to expensive and time-consuming methods, which do not lend themselves for ‘real-time’ measurement or ‘field’ type applications. To overcome these problems, work is in progress to develop antibodies, which can be incorporated into immunoassays and other rapid formats, for the specific and general detection of fungi and some of their associated mycotoxins. This paper describes the development of a ‘general mould’ reagent set, based on several monoclonal antibodies raised towards groups of serologically related fungi, including many which are potentially toxigenic, and also the development of a single monoclonal to the fungal membrane lipid, ergosterol. Applications for assays incorporating these antibodies, as well as their suitability for use in lateral flow devices for ‘on-site’ detection of fungi and mycotoxins, are discussed