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.
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.
Jacqueline
J
Dayan-Kenigsberg
Agnès
A
Bertocchi
Eric A E
EA
Garber
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