Allergens detection

A mammalian cell-based biochip for allergen detection was also proposed (Matsubara et al, 2004). They cultured a basophilic mast cell line (RBL-2H3) that releases histamine upon activation by an allergen, in a microfluidic biochip molded with PDMS (poly-dimethylsiloxane). The mast cells were pretreated with a fluorescent dye, quinacrine, that binds to histamine in acidic compartments of the cell granule by mass action. Upon exposure to the allergen, the IgE-activated cells release histamine along with the fluorescent dye, which is measured by a photomultiplier tube attached to a microscope. 

Goodwin, P.R. 2004. Food allergen detection methods A coordinated approach. J AOAC Int 87(6) 1383-1390. 

As a proof of concept these recombinant food allergens can be used for in vitro diagnosis as well as for in vivo diagnostic approaches. Once, their equivalence to the respective natural counterpart is established, these proteins are available in unlimited quantity and can be produced in standardized quality. This offers a great improvement in setting up reliable diagnostic tools as well as allergen detection assays. 

Maier, L, Morgan, M. R. A., Lindner, W., and Pirtner, F. (2008). Optical Resonance-Enhanced Absorption-Based Near-Field Immunochip Biosensor for Allergen Detection. Anal. Chem. 80 2694-2703. 

Schappi, G. F., Konrad, V., Imhof, D., Etter, R. and Wuthrich, B. Hidden peanut allergens detected in various foods Findings and legal measures. Allergy, 56 1216-1220, 2001. 

P. (1999) Comparison of methods to a.ssc.ss airborne rat and mouse allergen levels II Factors influencing allergen detection. Allergy, 54. 150-157. 

Barbieri G, Frigeri G (2006). Identification of hidden allergens detection of pistachio traces in mortadella. Food Addit. Contain., 23(12) 1260-1264. 

Maier I, Morgan MR, Lindner W, Pittner F (2008). Optical resonance-enhanced ahsorption-hased near-held immunochip biosensor for allergen detection. Anal. Chem., 80(8) 2694— 2703. 

Mohammed I, Mullett WM, Lai EPC, Yeung JM (2001). Is biosensor a viable method for food allergen detection Anal. Chim. Acta, 444(1) 97-102. 

Poms RE, Anklam E, Kuhn M (2004). Polymerase chain reaction techniques for food allergen detection. J. AOAC Int, 87(6) 1391-1397. 

Yman IM, Eriksson A, Johansson MA, HeUenas KE (2006). Food allergen detection with biosensor immunoassays. J. AOAC Int., 89(3) 856-861. 

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