Evaluation of Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensors for Detection of Tetrodotoxin in Food Matrices and Comparison to Analytical Methods

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a low molecular weight neurotoxin found in a number of animal species, including pufferfish. One emerging method for TTX detection employs surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunosensors. SPR, an optical technique that allows for label-free, real-time, multiplexed analysis, can have detection limits that rival many of the conventional transduction methods. Preliminary SPR approaches for TTX were successful, yet suffered from low throughput and used noncommercial instrumentation. To advance this method for broader use, the immunoassay was transferred to a commercial instrument and optimized for improved detection. This manuscript outlines the assay development and results for complex matrices relevant to seafood safety (pufferfish) and food adulteration (milk, apple juice). In addition, results are compared to those obtained using receptor binding assay, ELISA, HPLC-FD, and LC/MS/MS detection techniques. Results highlight the advantages of SPR assays, including rapid screening capability with low reagent consumption and low- to subppb detection limits.