INTEGRATION OF ANTIBODIES AND METAL NANOPARTICLES IN MYCOTOXIN DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS: FIRST STEPS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOSENSORS FOR OCHRATOXIN A

Abstract

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium, frequently detected in plant-derived products such as seeds, grains, cereals, and animal feed. This toxin has a recognized carcinogenic potential, in addition to neurotoxic, nephrotoxic, and immunotoxic effects, posing risks to human and animal health as well as economic losses to the production chain. Due to its occurrence at very low concentrations in food matrices, its detection requires highly sensitive and specific analytical methods. This study aimed to standardize the initial step of coupling monoclonal anti-OTA antibodies (mAbOTA) to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), as a basis for the future development of biosensors for OTA detection in biological and food samples. AuNP concentrations of 1×10¹⁴, 1×10¹³, and 1×10¹² particles/mL were tested under different agitation conditions. The coupling efficiency was evaluated by scanning spectrophotometry (400–1000 nm), comparing the absorption spectra of pure AuNPs, AuNPs functionalized with mAbOTA, and saline controls. The best performance was obtained using AuNPs at 1×10¹³ particles/mL and mAbOTA at 50 µg/mL, with magnetic stirring for 16 hours (overnight). The results indicate the feasibility of the initial antibody–nanoparticle conjugation step and provide essential parameters for optimizing functionalization and detection conditions in subsequent assay development stages.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/edimpacto2025.087-011