Rapid detection of ricin in cosmetics and elimination of artifacts associated with wheat lectin.
Ricin can be detected in cosmetics at 0.005 microg/mL in the analytical sample using lateral flow devices (LFDs). Wheat germ, an ingredient used in skin care products is also a potential source of wheat lectin. False positives were observed when wheat lectin was added to LFDs from two manufacturers, irrespective of whether the LFD was specific for ricin, Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB), or botulinum toxin. In contrast, pea and peanut lectins did not cause false positives. Substitution of the buffer supplied with the LFDs with a buffer containing 2.5% non-fat milk powder eliminated the occurrence of false positives. This substitution increased the LOD to 0.01 microg/mL ricin, which is an acceptable level for screening cosmetics for contamination by ricin.
Dayan-Kenigsberg
Jacqueline
J
Unité Biotechnologie, Biochimie des Protéines et Macromolécules, Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits de Santé, 143 boulevard Anatole France, 93285 Saint Denis Cedex, France.
Bertocchi
Agnès
A
Garber
Eric A E
EA
D016477:Artifacts; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000032:analysis; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000737:chemistry*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004768:Enterotoxins / Q000032:analysis; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods*; D012276:Ricin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology*; D014909:Wheat Germ Agglutinins / Q000276:immunology*
D003358:Cosmetics; D004768:Enterotoxins; D014909:Wheat Germ Agglutinins; C031818:enterotoxin B, staphylococcal; D012276:Ricin; D001905:Botulinum Toxins