Synthesis and Identification of Aflatoxin B2a Artificial Antigens: The First Critical Step in Preparing Monoclonal Antibodies Against Aflatoxin B1

摘要

Aflatoxins, a group of mycotoxins are both natural contaminants of food and feedstuff causing a serious health risk of human and animals. In the present study, Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was converted into Aflatoxin B2a (AFB2a) using citric acid and then conjugated to two carrier proteins, Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and Human Serum Albumin (HSA). The artificial antigens were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Five Balb/c mice were immunized with AFB2a-HSA before serum titers were detected. Gel electrophoresis results showed that the migration patterns of the conjugated proteins were different from those of the carrier proteins alone. Ultraviolet spectrophotometry results revealed that the maximum absorption peak of the conjugates barely shifted. The immunized mice developed a titer up to 128,000. These results indicated that the artificial antigens were successfully synthesized and could be employed in the preparation of monoclonal antibodies against AFB2a.