PRODUCTION OF MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES TO THE MYCOTOXINS FUMONISIN-B1, FUMONISIN-B2, AND FUMONISIN-B3

Monoclonal antibodies were prepared against the fumonisins, a group of mycotoxins produced by Fusarium moniliforme. Splenic lymphocytes from mice immunized with a fumonisin B1-cholera toxin conjugate were fused with NS-1 myeloma cells, and six hybridomas were selected. A direct competitive ELISA was devised whereby fumonisin B1-peroxidase and free fumonisin B1 competed for antibody binding. The detection limit for fumonisin B1 in this assay was 50 ng/mL. Antibodies also cross-reacted with fumonisins B2 and B3. Mean concentrations of fumonisins B1, B2, and B3 required to inhibit 50% antibody binding for the six clones were 630, 1800, and 2300 ng/mL, respectively. When the antibodies were applied to the direct ELISA in spiked (5-25-mu-g/g) feed, the average recovery was 103%, with mean intra- and interassay coefficients of variation of 11 and 15%, respectively. These antibodies should find wide usage in the ELISA screening of fumonisins in foods, feeds, and tissues.