Citation

Cho H, Jaworski J. Biosens. Bioelectron. 2013; 54C: 667-673.

Affiliation

Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133-791, Republic of Korea; Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133-791, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: justynj@hanyang.ac.kr.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.bios.2013.11.058

PMID

24334282

Abstract

A first of its kind portable, colorimetric detection system has been developed for the rapid diagnosis of abrin poisoning. Abrin, a natural biotoxin that is homologous to ricin yet more lethal, has high potential for becoming a weapon of bioterrorism given its ease of production. Using an immobilization strategy that implements non-natural amino acids for site-specific conjugation, we have created a reusable N-methyltryptophan oxidase based magnetic bead system that is capable of detecting L-abrine, a marker for abrin poisoning, at concentrations as low as 4μM in mock urine. Furthermore, we propose that this detection strategy may be readily adaptable for sensing other targets of interest. This unique diagnostic test for abrin poisoning has demonstrated key benefits of portability and simple visual readout. These significant advantages can thus provide the potential for more rapid assessment and corresponding poison management if dedicated toxicology laboratories are not an option.

Language: en