C03027: Design of molecular imprinted sensors/assays for the detection of mycotoxins in food matrices
Tuesday 4 July 2006
This research project aimed to perform a feasibility study into the design of molecularly imprinted sensors/assays for the detection of mycotoxins in food matrices.
Study Duration: March 2002 to September 2002
Contractor: Institute of BioScience and Technology, Cranfield University at Silsoe
Background
The detection of toxins such as patulin in apple juice, deoxynivalenol/nivalenol in temperate cereals and fumonisins in maize-based products has become very important to assess exposure levels of consumers. At present, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) are the predominant methods used for the routine analysis and detection of mycotoxins in food.
These systems are, however, expensive and require a high level of technical expertise to operate. In order to enhance the rapidity of routine testing and to reduce the costs of such tests, the feasibility of using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) in a sensor format will be investigated.
MIPs can act as excellent alternatives to natural receptors, such as antibodies. These polymers retain a high affinity and specificity to their target analytes. Furthermore, MIPs offer a number of advantages compared to other recognition systems (such as antibodies) and these include:
- a high tolerance to mechanical and thermal stress
- excellent storage stability
- simple preparation
- a comparatively low price for material preparation
The use of MIPs to recognise target analytes is not a new approach. However, there have been recent developments in computer aided rational design of MIPs as well as methods of incorporating them into solid (membrane) supports. The potential of using such methods to produce MIPs for routine analysis and detection of mycotoxins in food matrices will be explored.
Research Approach
The study will be performed by undertaking a literature study into the use of molecularly imprinted polymers for use in assays and sensors. This will be followed by computer modelling of molecularly imprinted polymers for three examples of mycotoxins (fumonisin B1, deoxynivalenol and patulin) to determine the feasibility of designing polymers capable of recognising mycotoxin templates.
Results and findings
A desk-based feasibility study was carried out to determine whether Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) can be used for the detection of mycotoxins in food matrices.
The results from the computer design showed that it is possible to design affinity polymers for the mycotoxins fumonisin B1, deoxynivalenol and patulin. From the calculated binding energy for the interaction of the best monomers identified, there was a strong indication that with the right choice of polymerisation conditions (solvent, cross-linker, template), the resulting polymers would be capable of recognising mycotoxin templates in a complex environment such as food matrices.
The results indicated that MIP sensors/assays may provide a viable alternative to the current methods used for mycotoxin detection. Advantages would include robustness, low price, high affinity and specificity. There is also potential for MIP sensors/assays to be used for direct rapid analysis of mycotoxins in food samples.
Dissemination information
The final report is available from the Agency's Information Centre.
To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: infocentre@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk)
Contact: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant programme contact or email: science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk