Test strip enzyme immunoassay for the detection of Saxitoxin

Abstract

A rapid method for the detection of saxitoxin (STX) by a test strip enzyme immunoassay (EIA), based on polyclonal antibodies against STX, has been developed. Using a nylon membrane coated with dots of STX coupled to bovine serum albumin (STX‐BSA), the binding of the antibodies to the membrane‐bound STX was competitively inhibited by free STX. In the indirect test strip EIA, dot colour development of STX‐positive test strips was visually discernible from that of a negative control at concentrations as low as 0–5 ppb.

Keywords:

• Test strip enzyme immunoassay
• saxitoxin