Trace analysis of microcystins in water using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Routine monitoring of microcystin in natural waters is difficult because the concentration of the toxin is usually lower than the detection limits. As a more sensitive detection method for microcystin, we developed a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on monoclonal antibodies. New monoclonal antibodies against the microcystin leucine-arginine variant (MCLR), a cyclic peptide toxin of the freshwater cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa, were prepared from cloned hybridoma cell lines. We used keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-conjugated MCLR as an immunogen for the production of mouse monoclonal antibody. The immunization, cell fusion, and screening of hybridoma cells producing anti-MCLR antibody were conducted. In the ELISA test, a microtiter plate coated with MCLR-bovine serum albumin conjugate was incubated with standard microcystin samples. The amount of antibody bound was determined by the reaction of peroxidase-labeled anti-mouse IgG with its substrate, 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethyl benzidine (TMB). Since the ELISA test was highly sensitive, the newly developed ELISA can be suitable for the trace analysis of cyanobacterial hepatotoxins, microcystins in water. The linear responses of monoclonal antibodies with different concentrations of microcystin LR were established between 30 and 1600 pg/mL.