Antibody-based lateral flow assay for aflatoxin detection in food

Overview

Aflatoxins are harmful mycotoxins produced by certain moulds that commonly contaminate cereals, dried fruits, nuts, and spices under warm, humid conditions. Because most aflatoxins are chemically stable and survive food processing, regulatory bodies worldwide enforce strict maximum residual limits, creating strong demand for rapid, reliable detection methods capable of screening large sample volumes.

This project develops high-affinity antibody fragments and nanobodies against aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 using phage-displayed human scFv and shark and camel nanobody libraries. The resulting binders will be integrated into a lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) platform, enabling on-site, cost-effective mycotoxin detection for food processors, regulatory agencies, and quality-control laboratories.

Technical specifications

• Library diversity: In-house naïve human scFv and nanobody libraries from shark and camel with diversity of approximately 10^10
• Target analytes: Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, with emphasis on broadly cross-reactive antibody fragments
• Screening platform: Phage display technology for isolating binders against low-molecular-weight, non-immunogenic haptens
• Assay format: Lateral flow immunoassay using colored bead–based detection of phage clones
• Validation methods: ELISA and complementary biochemical and biophysical assays to assess binding affinity and specificity
• Optimization parameters: Buffer pH, antibody and reagent concentrations, and blocking agents to minimize non-specific interactions
• Research infrastructure: State-of-the-art immunology facilities, validated biochemical characterization assays, and established phage display screening workflows

Technology readiness level

The project is structured across three milestones over a 12-month period: (1) isolation and characterization of broadly cross-reactive antibody fragments (0–6 months), (2) biochemical and biophysical characterization of selected binders for suitability in immunodiagnostic assays (6–9 months), and (3) development and laboratory validation of a pilot immunodiagnostic assay system (9–12 months). Future validation will focus on confirming binding affinity and specificity of phage clones toward aflatoxin B1 using ELISA, followed by systematic optimization of lateral flow assay parameters. The technology is currently at an early R&D stage, with laboratory validation of a pilot assay as the next development target.