Development of LFIA Based Sandwich ELISA Method For Detection of Aflatoxin and It’s Comparision With HPLC Method

Abstract

Aflatoxins are poisonous substance that are produce naturally by many types of moulds (fungi) like Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins can be ingested directly or indirectly with infected food. There are more than 14 Aflatoxins are present in nature. Few aflatoxins such as B1, B2, G1 and G2 impart harmful effects on human on consumption and among these four aflatoxin B1 is carcinogenic. Liver damage, hepatotoxic effects and various other side effects are observed due to higher intake of aflatoxins. Gold nanoparticles are characterized by various analytical techniques. Gold nanoparticles conjugated with antibody which is specific to aflatoxin B1. Analysis of Gold nanoparticles and Conjugates are characterized by UV Visible spectrophotometry, Zeta Sizer, and Infrared spectroscopy. It is a Sandwich ELISA based method in which reaction between antigen and conjugate (antibody conjugated gold nanoparticle) complex and antibody take place on LFIA strips and gives quick result. Due to simplicity, flexibility, rapidity, and sensitivity lateral flow assays (LFAs) are an excellent choice for aflatoxin testing. Contaminated food samples are tested with immunochromatographic strips and results are compared with HPLC method to enhance the reliability of developed LFIA method.