Development of aequorin-based mast cell nanosensor for rapid identification of botulinum neurotoxin type B.

An aequorin-based mast cell sensor was developed for rapid identification and detection of protein toxins. To monitor mast cell activation and to improve the sensitivity of detection, aequorin was stably expressed in the cells and used as an indicator of calcium flux and the stable cell line was created. The procedures for preparing cells were optimized to improve the quantum yield and sensitivity of detection.

Preparation of egg yolk antibodies against BoNT/B and their passive protection in mouse models.

Botulism in human is a devastating intoxication caused mainly by type A, B, and E botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs). The most effective treatment of botulism is injection of BoNT antiserum in the first 24 h. In this study, a recombinant C-terminal heavy chain of BoNT/B (BHc) was successfully expressed in E.

Capillary-driven surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based microfluidic chip for abrin detection.

Herein, we firstly demonstrate the design and the proof-of-concept use of a capillary-driven surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based microfluidic chip for abrin detection. The micropillar array substrate was etched and coated with a gold film by microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) process to integrate into a lateral flow test strip. The detection of abrin solutions of various concentrations was performed by the as-prepared microfluidic chip.