Multiplex dipstick immunoassay for semi-quantitative determination of Fusarium mycotoxins in oat

A multiplex competitive antibody-based assay in a dipstick format for the simultaneous detection of major of Fusarium mycotoxins in oats is described. Ground oats sample is extracted with a mixture of methanol and water. Sample extract is diluted and directly analyzed by a multiplex dipstick. The test kit employs a microwell of reagents containing antibodies linked to gold particles and a dipstick made up of a nitrocellulose membrane were specific capture lines are located. In the presence of oats extract each antibody binds the corresponding mycotoxin before starting to run vertically on the dipstick in the direction of the capture lines. In 10 minutes red lines rise from the background on the dipstick. Results are interpreted by an optical reader measuring the ratio between each test line and a control line located on the top of the strip.