DETECTION OF STAPHYLOCOCCAL-ENTEROTOXIN-B EMPLOYING A PIEZOELECTRIC CRYSTAL IMMUNOSENSOR

This paper reports on a study concerning the development of a biochemi cal sensor for Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB), a substance within the bracket of biological warfare. A 20 MHz piezoelectric quartz cryst al sensor device was employed in a flow injection system. The assay fo r SEB is based on a competition scheme using polyclonal antibodies (an ti-SEB). Three parameters, i.e. the flow rate in the flow cell, the in cubation time and the anti-SEB concentration, were optimized. A detect ion limit of 0.1 mu g/ml was obtained, whereas at concentrations of SE B of 10 mu g/ml or higher the sensor response was completely inhibited . The results were compared with a competition enzyme linked immunosor bent assay. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.