Nanoparticle Probe for Determination of Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are plant proteins with enzymatic activity and classified as type 1 (single chain) or type 2 (two chains). Among type 2 RIPs, there are potential toxins (ricin is the best known) that are considered potential biological weapons. In this study, based on specific antibody (Ab) as capture probes immobilized on particulate substrates in the nm range, a method was developed for determining the RIPs in real food matrix or human biofluids by using nanoparticles (NPs) as a carrier. Ricin Ab modified by N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate was attached to polystyrene NPs surface via end-group-activated F108-PDS to determine ricin protein. The NP probe preparation was characterized by field-flow fractionation technique, and the particle morphology was determined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results suggested that SEM image shows the proteins attached on the probe surface, and the nanoprobe prepared can be used to determine target ricin protein specifically.