Single-chain variable fragment antibody-based immunochromatographic strip for rapid detection of fumonisin B1 in maize samples

A rapid and sensitive immunochromatographic strip (ICS) based on a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) was developed for detecting fumonisin B-1 (FB1). The ICS was based on a competitive reaction for colloidal gold-labeled scFv between FB1 and FB1-BSA, which was used along with sheep anti-mouse IgG as capture reagents immobilized at test and control lines, respectively, on a nitrocellulose membrane of the strip. The limit of detection of the ICS was 2.5 ng/mL (25 mu g/kg) FB1 in buffer, and the sensitivity was eight times higher than that of monoclonal antibodies for the preparation of the scFv. The cross-reactivity of the scFv with common mycotoxins was determined by ICS, the results showed that the scFv were not against other mycotoxins. Eight naturally contaminated maize samples were analyzed with the scFv-based ICS and by LC-MS/MS. The results of analysis obtained with the strip assay showed good agreement with those obtained by LC-MS/MS.