Monoclonal antibodies for immunodetection of allergenic food proteins

Overview

This program develops custom monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for the precise immunodetection of allergenic food proteins. Allergens from commercial sources or laboratory purification are used as immunogens, and the hybridoma technique is applied to generate antibodies with high selectivity and affinity for the target allergen. The resulting mAbs are intended to serve as the foundation for lateral flow assays that detect food allergens in laboratory-spiked, commercial, and processed food samples.

The approach addresses a critical need in food safety: reliable, reproducible detection of allergens that can trigger severe reactions in sensitive consumers. By using purified single-allergen immunogens rather than protein mixtures, the program produces antibodies with reduced cross-reactivity and improved consistency compared to polyclonal alternatives.

Technical specifications

Core capabilities:

• Hybridoma-based generation of mAbs targeting specific allergenic food proteins
• Protein purification and characterization using chromatographic and electrophoretic methods
• Antibody isotype determination and epitope recognition analysis
• Immunoaffinity profiling and cross-reactivity assessment against structurally analogous proteins
• Evaluation of mAb interactions with native and denatured allergen forms in complex food matrices
• Epitope mapping and steric competition analysis between mAbs
• Sandwich ELISA development and validation
• Lateral flow assay prototyping with optimized sample extraction methods

Key advantages:

• High selectivity and reproducibility compared to polyclonal antibodies
• Reduced cross-reactivity through purified single-protein immunization
• Proven track record with over 160 mAbs developed against food proteins including finfish parvalbumin, hen egg α-livetin, and crustacean tropomyosin
• Demonstrated generation of calcium-dependent epitope antibodies and species-selective binders

Technology readiness level

The laboratory has an established track record in antibody development, characterization, and immunoassay design, with multiple peer-reviewed publications demonstrating successful mAb generation and sandwich ELISA establishment. The program follows a phased development approach: immunogen acquisition and purity verification (3 months), animal immunization and hybridoma production at the FSU Hybridoma Facility (~12 months), antibody characterization including isotyping, epitope mapping, and selectivity testing (3 months), and final selection of at least two mAbs for lateral flow test development. The technology is positioned at a readiness level suitable for collaborative development toward commercial diagnostic applications.