An immunoassay for the measurement of (1→3)-β-D-glucans in the indoor environment

An inhibition enzyme immunoassay was developed for quantitation of (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans in the indoor environment. Immunospecific rabbit antibodies mere produced by immunization with bovine serum albumin-conjugated laminarin., The laminarin calibration curve ranged from 40 to 3000 ng/ml. Another (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan (curdlan) showed a similar inhibition curve, but was less reactive on a weight basis, Pustulan, presumed to be (1-->6)-beta-D-glucan, also showed immunoreactivity in the assay. Control experiments indicated that this was due to (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan structures. Other non-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucan polysaccharides did not react, (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan was detectable in dust from a variety of occupational and environmental settings,We conclude that the new assay offers a useful method for indoor (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan exposure assessment.