Zearalenone (ZEN) detection by a single chain fragment variable (scFv) antibody

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin produced by members of the genus Fusarium. ZEN detection by ELISA using single chain fragment variable (scFv) represents a novel means of mycotoxin detection and diagnosis of fungal infection. To develop immunoassay of ZEN based on scFv, ZEN was conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP). ELISA and SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the covalent attachment of ZEN to HRP was successful. Anti-ZEN scFv-E-tag fusion protein was used to detect ZEN by competitive direct-ELISA (CD-ELISA) method, and the results indicated that this scFv was appropriate in ZEN detection, meaning that scFv against fungal toxin could have an application in mycotoxin detection and diagnosis of fungal infection. Shi-Hua Wang and Xiao-Yu Du contributed to this work equally.