Advances in the Immunoassays for Detection of Bacillus thuringiensis Crystalline Toxins

J Agric Food Chem. 2021 Sep 15;69(36):10407-10418. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c02195. Epub 2021 Jul 28.

Abstract

Insect-resistant genetically modified organisms have been globally commercialized for the last 2 decades. Among them, transgenic crops based on Bacillus thuringiensis crystalline (Cry) toxins are extensively used for commercial agricultural applications. However, less emphasis is laid on quantifying Cry toxins because there might be unforeseen health and environmental concerns. Immunoassays, being the preferred method for detection of Cry toxins, are reviewed in this study. Owing to limitations of traditional colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the trend of detection strategies shifts to modified immunoassays based on nanomaterials, which provide ultrasensitive detection capacity. This review assessed and compared the properties of the recent advances in immunoassays, including colorimetric, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, surface plasmon resonance, and electrochemical approaches. Thus, the ultimate aim of this study is to identify research gaps and infer future prospects of current approaches for the development of novel immunosensors to monitor Cry toxins in food and the environment.

Keywords: Bacillus thuringiensis; Cry toxin; ELISA; genetically modified organisms; immunoassay.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacillus thuringiensis*
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Endotoxins
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • Immunoassay

Substances

  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Endotoxins
  • Hemolysin Proteins