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Wang D, Baudys J, Barr JR, Kalb SR. Improved Sensitivity for the Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Active Ricin by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2016; 88:6867-72. [PMID: 27264550 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b01486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ricin is a highly toxic protein which causes cell death by blocking protein synthesis and is considered a potential bioterrorism agent. Rapid and sensitive detection of ricin toxin in various types of sample matrices is needed as an emergency requirement for public health and antibioterrorism response. An in vitro MALDI TOF MS-based activity assay that detects ricin mediated depurination of synthetic substrates was improved through optimization of the substrate, reaction conditions, and sample preparation. In this method, the ricin is captured by a specific polycolonal antibody followed by hydrolysis reaction. The ricin activity is determined by detecting the unique cleavage product of synthetic oligomer substrates. The detection of a depurinated substrate was enhanced by using a more efficient RNA substrate and optimizing buffer components, pH, and reaction temperature. In addition, the factors involved in mass spectrometry analysis, such as MALDI matrix, plate, and sample preparation, were also investigated to improve the ionization of the depurinated product and assay reproducibility. With optimized parameters, the limit of detection of 0.2 ng/mL of ricin spiked in buffer and milk was accomplished, representing more than 2 orders of magnitude enhancement in assay sensitivity. Improving assay's ruggeddness or reproducibility also made it possible to quantitatively detect active ricin with 3 orders of magnitude dynamic range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxia Wang
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Jakub Baudys
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - John R Barr
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Suzanne R Kalb
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
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Sensitive and specific detection of pine nut (Pinus spp.) by real-time PCR in complex food products. Food Chem 2016; 194:980-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.08.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Hutchins AS, Astwood MJ, Saah JR, Michel PA, Newton BR, Dauphin LA. Evaluation of automated and manual DNA purification methods for detecting Ricinus communis DNA during ricin investigations. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 236:10-5. [PMID: 24529769 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In April of 2013, letters addressed to the President of United States and other government officials were intercepted and found to be contaminated with ricin, heightening awareness about the need to evaluate laboratory methods for detecting ricin. This study evaluated commercial DNA purification methods for isolating Ricinus communis DNA as measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Four commercially available DNA purification methods (two automated, MagNA Pure compact and MagNA Pure LC, and two manual, MasterPure complete DNA and RNA purification kit and QIAamp DNA blood mini kit) were evaluated. We compared their ability to purify detectable levels of R. communis DNA from four different sample types, including crude preparations of ricin that could be used for biological crimes or acts of bioterrorism. Castor beans, spiked swabs, and spiked powders were included to simulate sample types typically tested during criminal and public health investigations. Real-time PCR analysis indicated that the QIAamp kit resulted in the greatest sensitivity for ricin preparations; the MasterPure kit performed best with spiked powders. The four methods detected equivalent levels by real-time PCR when castor beans and spiked swabs were used. All four methods yielded DNA free of PCR inhibitors as determined by the use of a PCR inhibition control assay. This study demonstrated that DNA purification methods differ in their ability to purify R. communis DNA; therefore, the purification method used for a given sample type can influence the sensitivity of real-time PCR assays for R. communis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne S Hutchins
- Bioterrorism and Emerging Pathogens Unit, North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | | | - J Royden Saah
- Bioterrorism and Emerging Pathogens Unit, North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Pierre A Michel
- Bioterrorism Rapid Response and Advanced Technology (BRRAT) Laboratory, Laboratory Preparedness and Response Branch (LPRB), Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections (DPEI), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | | | - Leslie A Dauphin
- Bioterrorism Rapid Response and Advanced Technology (BRRAT) Laboratory, Laboratory Preparedness and Response Branch (LPRB), Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections (DPEI), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Nagatsuka T, Uzawa H, Sato K, Kondo S, Izumi M, Yokoyama K, Ohsawa I, Seto Y, Neri P, Mori H, Nishida Y, Saito M, Tamiya E. Localized surface plasmon resonance detection of biological toxins using cell surface oligosaccharides on glyco chips. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2013; 5:4173-80. [PMID: 23668627 DOI: 10.1021/am4002937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We have detected biological toxins using localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and synthetic glycosyl ceramides (β-lactoside, globosyl trisaccharide (Gb3), or GM1 pentasaccharide) attached to gold (Au) nanoparticles. The particle diameters ranged from 5-100 nm. The detection sensitivity for three toxins (ricin, Shiga toxin, and cholera toxin) was found to depend not only on the attached glycoside but also on the diameter of the Au nanoparticles. For the detection of ricin, the 20-nm β-lactoside-coated Au nanoparticle exhibited the highest LSPR response, whereas 40-nm Gb3- and GM1-coated Au nanoparticles gave the best results for Shiga toxin and cholera toxin, respectively. In addition, a blocking process on the nanoparticle surface greatly improved the detection sensitivity for cholera toxin. The LSPR system enabled us to detect ricin at 30 ng/mL, Shiga toxin at 10 ng/mL, and the cholera toxin at 20 ng/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nagatsuka
- Nanosystem Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Japan
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Brandon DL. Electrochemiluminescence immunosorbent assay of ricin in ground beef: biotinylated capture antibodies and matrix effects. FOOD AGR IMMUNOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/09540105.2011.629315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
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Brandon DL, Korn AM, Yang LL. Detection of Ricin Contamination in Liquid Egg by Electrochemiluminescence Immunosorbent Assay. J Food Sci 2012; 77:T83-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2012.02627.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Nagatsuka T, Uzawa H, Sato K, Ohsawa I, Seto Y, Nishida Y. Glycotechnology for decontamination of biological agents: a model study using ricin and biotin-tagged synthetic glycopolymers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2012; 4:832-837. [PMID: 22214533 DOI: 10.1021/am201493q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Two types of biotin-tagged glycopolymers carrying lactose or glucose in clusters along the polyacrylamide backbone were prepared and subjected to decontamination analyses with the plant toxin ricin. A buffer solution containing the toxin was treated with one glycopolymer followed by streptavidin-magnetic particles. Supernatant solutions were analyzed with surface plasmon resonance and capillary electrophoresis, and revealed that the lactose glycopolymer "captured" this toxin more effectively than the glucose polymer. Free toxin was not detectable in the supernatant after treatment with the glycopolymer and magnetic particles; >99% decontamination was achieved for this potentially fatal biological toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nagatsuka
- Nanosystem Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
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Kato H, Uzawa H, Nagatsuka T, Kondo S, Sato K, Ohsawa I, Kanamori-Kataoka M, Takei Y, Ota S, Furuno M, Dohi H, Nishida Y, Seto Y. Preparation and evaluation of lactose-modified monoliths for the adsorption and decontamination of plant toxins and lectins. Carbohydr Res 2011; 346:1820-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2011.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Brandon DL. Detection of ricin contamination in ground beef by electrochemiluminescence immunosorbent assay. Toxins (Basel) 2011; 3:398-408. [PMID: 22069715 PMCID: PMC3202826 DOI: 10.3390/toxins3040398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Revised: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricin is a highly toxic protein present in the seeds of Ricinus communis (castor), grown principally as a source of high quality industrial lubricant and as an ornamental. Because ricin has been used for intentional poisoning in the past and could be used to contaminate food, there is a need for analytical methodology to detect ricin in food matrices. A monoclonal antibody-based method was developed for detecting and quantifying ricin in ground beef, a complex, fatty matrix. The limit of detection was 0.5 ng/g for the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method and 1.5 ng/g for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The detection of nanogram per gram quantities of ricin spiked into retail samples of ground beef provides approximately 10,000-fold greater sensitivity than required to detect a toxic dose of ricin (>1 mg) in a 100 g sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Brandon
- Foodborne Contaminants Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
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McGrath SC, Schieltz DM, McWilliams LG, Pirkle JL, Barr JR. Detection and Quantification of Ricin in Beverages Using Isotope Dilution Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2011; 83:2897-905. [DOI: 10.1021/ac102571f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara C. McGrath
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - David M. Schieltz
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Lisa G. McWilliams
- Battelle (on Contract with the Division of Laboratory Sciences), 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - James L. Pirkle
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - John R. Barr
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
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Nagatani N, Yamanaka K, Saito M, Koketsu R, Sasaki T, Ikuta K, Miyahara T, Tamiya E. Semi-real time electrochemical monitoring for influenza virus RNA by reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification using a USB powered portable potentiostat. Analyst 2011; 136:5143-50. [DOI: 10.1039/c1an15638a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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He X, McMahon S, Henderson TD, Griffey SM, Cheng LW. Ricin toxicokinetics and its sensitive detection in mouse sera or feces using immuno-PCR. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12858. [PMID: 20877567 PMCID: PMC2943921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2010] [Accepted: 08/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ricin (also called RCA-II or RCA(60)), one of the most potent toxins and documented bioweapons, is derived from castor beans of Ricinus communis. Several in vitro methods have been designed for ricin detection in complex food matrices in the event of intentional contamination. Recently, a novel Immuno-PCR (IPCR) assay was developed with a limit of detection of 10 fg/ml in a buffer matrix and about 10-1000-fold greater sensitivity than other methods in various food matrices. METHODS AND FINDINGS In order to devise a better diagnostic test for ricin, the IPCR assay was adapted for the detection of ricin in biological samples collected from mice after intoxication. The limit of detection in both mouse sera and feces was as low as 1 pg/ml. Using the mouse intravenous (iv) model for ricin intoxication, a biphasic half-life of ricin, with a rapid t(1/2)α of 4 min and a slower t(1/2)β of 86 min were observed. The molecular biodistribution time for ricin following oral ingestion was estimated using an antibody neutralization assay. Ricin was detected in the blood stream starting at approximately 6-7 h post- oral intoxication. Whole animal histopathological analysis was performed on mice treated orally or systemically with ricin. Severe lesions were observed in the pancreas, spleen and intestinal mesenteric lymph nodes, but no severe pathology in other major organs was observed. CONCLUSIONS The determination of in vivo toxicokinetics and pathological effects of ricin following systemic and oral intoxication provide a better understanding of the etiology of intoxication and will help in the future design of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua He
- Foodborne Contaminants Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Albany, California, United States of America
| | - Stephanie McMahon
- Foodborne Contaminants Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Albany, California, United States of America
| | - Thomas D. Henderson
- Foodborne Contaminants Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Albany, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen M. Griffey
- Comparative Pathology Lab, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Luisa W. Cheng
- Foodborne Contaminants Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Albany, California, United States of America
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Nagatsuka T, Uzawa H, Ohsawa I, Seto Y, Nishida Y. Use of lactose against the deadly biological toxin ricin. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2010; 2:1081-5. [PMID: 20369893 DOI: 10.1021/am900846r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Developing a technology for detecting and decontaminating biological toxins is needed. Ricin from Ricinus communis is a highly poisonous toxin; it was formerly used for an assassination in London and in postal attacks in the United States. Ricin is readily available from castor beans and could be used as a biological agent. We propose using glycotechnology against the illegal use of ricin. Lactose (a natural ligand of this toxin) was incorporated into polyacrylamide-based glycopolymers at variable sugar densities (18-100%) and evaluated with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy and the real agent, ricin. Glycopolymers (18-65% lactose densities) effectively interfered with the toxin-lactoside adhesion event (>99% efficiency within 20 min). This supported the notion of using the mammary sugar lactose against a deadly biological toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nagatsuka
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, 305-8565, Japan
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Melchior WB, Tolleson WH. A functional quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for ricin, Shiga toxin, and related ribosome-inactivating proteins. Anal Biochem 2010; 396:204-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2009.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2009] [Revised: 09/11/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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He X, Lu S, Cheng LW, Rasooly R, Carter JM. Effect of food matrices on the biological activity of ricin. J Food Prot 2008; 71:2053-8. [PMID: 18939752 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-71.10.2053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A cell-free translation assay was applied for the quick detection of ricin in food samples. Three economically important foods-ground beef, low-fat milk, and liquid chicken egg--were tested. The results indicated that ground beef had very little matrix effect on the assay, whereas low-fat milk and liquid chicken egg showed clear interference on the protein translation. A simple dilution in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) effectively eliminated the translational inhibition from these foods. The concentrations inhibiting 50% of luciferase translation derived from the current study were 0.01 nM for the pure ricin A chain, 0.02 nM for pure ricin, and 0.087 nM for crude ricin in PBS. In most cases, the half inhibitory concentration values for ricin in food matrices were significantly lower than for those in PBS buffer, suggesting that some components in these food matrices might potentiate the activity of ricin. Thermal stability tests indicated that the ricin A chain was the least stable among the three forms of ricin in all matrices measured. The thermal stability of pure and crude ricins varied depending on the matrices. The specific activities of ricin in PBS buffer were confirmed by a neutralization test with ricin-specific and nonspecific antibodies. This study demonstrates that the cell-free translation assay is a rapid and sensitive method for detection of biologically active ricin toxin in ground beef, low-fat milk, and liquid chicken egg and that food matrices can greatly affect the thermal stability of ricin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua He
- Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, California 94710, USA.
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