Development of a Nanobody-Based Competitive Dot ELISA for Visual Screening of Ochratoxin A in Cereals

A polyvinylidene fluoride membrane-based dot immunoassay using nanobody (Nb) for rapid, qualitative, and visual detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) in cereals was developed. On the basis of optimal assay conditions, the cut-off level of this method assessed visually was 5 mu g/kg for OTA, and the final results were obtained within 20 min. This method was simple with no time-consuming cleanup procedure. Good accuracy and reproducibility were obtained in recovery experiments. Results of the Nb-based dot ELISA are in agreement with the ELISA kit, except for samples that were negative for OTA presence assessed through Nb-based dot ELISA but found positive through the ELISA kit. These results indicated that the developed method could be a useful on-site screening tool for rapid detection of OTA in cereals without special instrument.