INVESTIGADORES
WUNDERLIN Daniel Alberto
artículos
Título:
Development of a Competitive ELISA Assay for the Evaluation of Sunflower Pollen in Honey Samples
Autor/es:
BARONI, M.V.; CHIABRANDO, G. A.; COSTA, C.; FAGÚNDEZ, G. A.; WUNDERLIN, D. A.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
Editorial:
American Chemical Society
Referencias:
Año: 2004 vol. 52 p. 7222 - 7226
ISSN:
0021-8561
Resumen:
We report the development of a rapid, specific, and sensitive enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA)
for the evaluation of sunflower pollen in honey as a method alternative to melissopalynology, which
is considered the standard technique for the evaluation of floral origin of honey. Two 33-36 kDa
proteins, identified as characteristic of sunflower pollen, were isolated and used as coating antigens
in the competitive ELISA. We verified its analytical performance by evaluating reproducibility, specificity,
and exactitude in relation to melissopalynology. The competitive ELISA developed during this work
is able to quantify sunflower pollen in honey, with a detection limit of 10%, showing linear response
between 10 and 90%. The method afforded low cross reactivity with honey from other floral origin,
thus evidencing an adequate selectivity. We also observed a significant correlation ( r) 0.975; p<-36 kDa
proteins, identified as characteristic of sunflower pollen, were isolated and used as coating antigens
in the competitive ELISA. We verified its analytical performance by evaluating reproducibility, specificity,
and exactitude in relation to melissopalynology. The competitive ELISA developed during this work
is able to quantify sunflower pollen in honey, with a detection limit of 10%, showing linear response
between 10 and 90%. The method afforded low cross reactivity with honey from other floral origin,
thus evidencing an adequate selectivity. We also observed a significant correlation ( r) 0.975; p<) 0.975; p<
0.001) when the proposed ELISA was referenced to melissopalynology. Hence, we conclude that
the competitive ELISA constitutes a valuable and feasible alternative for authentication of sunflower
honey. This work opens the possibility to develop similar assays for other pollen types.