Editorial

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4 pages, 192 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

New Research in Food Allergen Detection

by Rosario Linacero and Carmen Cuadrado

Foods 2022, 11(10), 1520; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11101520 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2446

Abstract

Food allergy is a worldwide health problem that concerns all ages from infants to adults [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Researches in Food Allergen Detection)

Research

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15 pages, 14087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection of Peanut Allergen by Real-Time PCR: Looking for a Suitable Detection Marker as Affected by Processing

by Africa Sanchiz, Paulina Sánchez-Enciso, Carmen Cuadrado and Rosario Linacero

Foods 2021, 10(6), 1421; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods10061421 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3288

Abstract

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) contains allergenic proteins, which make it harmful to the sensitised population. The presence of peanut in foods must be indicated on label, to prevent accidental consumption by allergic population. In this work, we use chloroplast markers for specific [...] Read more.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) contains allergenic proteins, which make it harmful to the sensitised population. The presence of peanut in foods must be indicated on label, to prevent accidental consumption by allergic population. In this work, we use chloroplast markers for specific detection of peanut by real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), in order to increase the assay sensitivity. Binary mixtures of raw and processed peanut flour in wheat were performed at concentrations ranging from 100,000 to 0.1 mg/kg. DNA isolation from peanut, mixtures, and other legumes was carried out following three protocols for obtaining genomic and chloroplast-enrich DNA. Quantity and quality of DNA were evaluated, obtaining better results for protocol 2. Specificity and sensitivity of the method has been assayed with specific primers for three chloroplast markers (mat k, rpl16, and trnH-psbA) and Ara h 6 peanut allergen-coding region was selected as nuclear low-copy target and TaqMan probes. Efficiency and linear correlation of calibration curves were within the adequate ranges. Mat k chloroplast marker yielded the most sensitive and efficient detection for peanut. Moreover, detection of mat K in binary mixtures of processed samples was possible for up to 10 mg/kg even after boiling, and autoclave 121 °C 15 min, with acceptable efficiency and linear correlation. Applicability of the method has been assayed in several commercial food products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Researches in Food Allergen Detection)

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18 pages, 8145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Proteomic- and Bioinformatic-Based Identification of Specific Allergens from Edible Insects: Probes for Future Detection as Food Ingredients

by Annick Barre, Carole Pichereaux, Mathias Simplicien, Odile Burlet-Schiltz, Hervé Benoist and Pierre Rougé

Foods 2021, 10(2), 280; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods10020280 - 30 Jan 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3662

Abstract

The increasing development of edible insect flours as alternative sources of proteins added to food and feed products for improving their nutritional value, necessitates an accurate evaluation of their possible adverse side-effects, especially for individuals suffering from food allergies. Using a proteomic- and [...] Read more.

The increasing development of edible insect flours as alternative sources of proteins added to food and feed products for improving their nutritional value, necessitates an accurate evaluation of their possible adverse side-effects, especially for individuals suffering from food allergies. Using a proteomic- and bioinformatic-based approach, the diversity of proteins occurring in currently consumed edible insects such as silkworm (Bombyx mori), cricket (Acheta domesticus), African migratory locust (Locusta migratoria), yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), and giant milworm beetle (Zophobas atratus), was investigated. Most of them consist of phylogenetically-related protein allergens widely distributed in the different groups of arthropods (mites, insects, crustaceans) and mollusks. However, a few proteins belonging to discrete protein families including the chemosensory protein, hexamerin, and the odorant-binding protein, emerged as proteins highly specific for edible insects. To a lesser extent, other proteins such as apolipophorin III, the larval cuticle protein, and the receptor for activated protein kinase, also exhibited a rather good specificity for edible insects. These proteins, that are apparently missing or much less represented in other groups of arthropods, mollusks and nematods, share well conserved amino acid sequences and very similar three-dimensional structures. Owing to their ability to trigger allergic responses in sensitized people, they should be used as probes for the specific detection of insect proteins as food ingredients in various food products and thus, to assess their food safety, especially for people allergic to edible insects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Researches in Food Allergen Detection)

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16 pages, 1643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LAMP-LFD Based on Isothermal Amplification of Multicopy Gene ORF160b: Applicability for Highly Sensitive Low-Tech Screening of Allergenic Soybean (Glycine max) in Food

by Stefanie M. Allgöwer, Chris A. Hartmann, Clarissa Lipinski, Vera Mahler, Stefanie Randow, Elke Völker and Thomas Holzhauser

Foods 2020, 9(12), 1741; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods9121741 - 26 Nov 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2273

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max) allergy can be life threatening. A lack of causative immunotherapy of soybean allergy makes soybean avoidance indispensable. Detection methods are essential to verify allergen labeling and unintentional allergen cross contact during food manufacture. Here, we aimed at evaluating [...] Read more.

Soybean (Glycine max) allergy can be life threatening. A lack of causative immunotherapy of soybean allergy makes soybean avoidance indispensable. Detection methods are essential to verify allergen labeling and unintentional allergen cross contact during food manufacture. Here, we aimed at evaluating our previously described primers for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of multicopy gene ORF160b, combined with a lateral flow dipstick (LFD)-like detection, for their performance of soybean detection in complex food matrices. The results were compared with those obtained using quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) as the current standard of DNA-based allergen detection, and antibody-based commercial lateral flow device (LFD) as the current reference of protein-based rapid allergen detection. LAMP-LFD allowed unequivocal and reproducible detection of 10 mg/kg soybean incurred in three representative matrices (boiled sausage, chocolate, instant tomato soup), while clear visibility of positive test lines of two commercial LFD tests was between 10 and 10² mg/kg and depending on the matrix. Sensitivity of soybean detection in incurred food matrices, commercial retail samples, as well as various processed soybean products was comparable between LAMP-LFD and qPCR. The DNA-based LAMP-LFD proved to be a simple and low-technology soybean detection tool, showing sensitivity and specificity that is comparable or superior to the investigated commercial protein-based LFD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Researches in Food Allergen Detection)

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18 pages, 4039 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phage Displayed Domain Antibodies (dAb) for Detection of Allergenic Pistachio Proteins in Foods

by Raquel Madrid, Aina García-García, Isabel González, Rosario Martín and Teresa García

Foods 2020, 9(9), 1230; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods9091230 - 03 Sep 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2475

Abstract

Pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera) have been consumed by past and present-day civilizations because of their organoleptic characteristics and potential health benefits. However, they can also produce moderate to severe IgE-mediated reactions in allergic individuals. In this work, we report the isolation [...] Read more.

Pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera) have been consumed by past and present-day civilizations because of their organoleptic characteristics and potential health benefits. However, they can also produce moderate to severe IgE-mediated reactions in allergic individuals. In this work, we report the isolation of the first recombinant antibodies against pistachio nut, produced without animal immunization, to be used in immunoassays for detection of allergenic pistachio in food products. Several phage display biopanning strategies were evaluated to screen the human-based domain antibody library (dAb) in search for pistachio-specific probes. The clone producing the PVF4 phage-dAb was finally selected, and it does not cross-react with cashew despite the phylogenetic proximity with pistachio. Western blot and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF) analysis demonstrated that this clone recognised a unique band of ∼22 kDa related to the basic subunit of pistachio 11S globulin (allergen Pis v 2). The PVF4 phage-dAb allowed detection of pistachio in a food matrix with a limit of detection (LOD) of 3983 mg kg-1 in an indirect phage-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ELISA method developed was used to assess applicability of the PVF4 phage-dAb for analysis of 77 commercial food products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Researches in Food Allergen Detection)

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16 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sesame, Pistachio, and Macadamia Nut: Development and Validation of New Allergenic Systems for Fast Real-Time PCR Application

by Martina Torricelli, Elisa Pierboni, Cristina Rondini, Serena Altissimi and Naceur Haouet

Foods 2020, 9(8), 1085; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods9081085 - 08 Aug 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2934

Abstract

Food allergy is a worldwide health problem that concerns infants to adults. The main health risk for sensitised individuals is due to the presence of traces of allergens as the result of an accidental contamination during food processing. The labelling of allergens such [...] Read more.

Food allergy is a worldwide health problem that concerns infants to adults. The main health risk for sensitised individuals is due to the presence of traces of allergens as the result of an accidental contamination during food processing. The labelling of allergens such as sesame, pistachio, and macadamia nut on food products is mandatory according to Regulation (EU) N. 1169/2011; therefore, the development of suitable and specific analytical methodologies is advisable. The aim of this study was to perform a multi-allergen real-time PCR system that works well in fast mode at the same annealing temperature and with the same thermal profile. The real-time PCR was developed designing new, specific, and efficient primer and probe systems for the 2S albumingene for sesame and pistachio and for the vicilin precursorgene for macadamia nut. These systems were subjected to a robust intra-laboratory qualitative validation process prior to their application, by DNA extraction and fast real-time PCR, on some real market samples to reproduce a potential allergen contamination along the food chain. The developed system results were specific and robust, with a sensible limit of detection (0.005% for sesame; 0.004% for pistachio; 0.006% for macadamia nut). The performance and the reliability of the target systems were confirmed on commercial food samples. This molecular approach could be used as a screening or as a support tool, in association with the other widespread monitoring techniques (such as ELISA). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Researches in Food Allergen Detection)

13 pages, 3630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (DIC) Treatment on the Detection of Nut Allergens by Real Time PCR

by Africa Sanchiz, Carmen Cuadrado, Joseph Haddad and Rosario Linacero

Foods 2020, 9(6), 729; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods9060729 - 03 Jun 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2275

Abstract

Tree nuts show nutritional properties and human health benefits. However, they contain allergenic proteins, which make them harmful to the sensitised population. The presence of tree nuts on food labelling is mandatory and, consequently, the development of suitable analytical methodologies to detect nuts [...] Read more.

Tree nuts show nutritional properties and human health benefits. However, they contain allergenic proteins, which make them harmful to the sensitised population. The presence of tree nuts on food labelling is mandatory and, consequently, the development of suitable analytical methodologies to detect nuts in processed foods is advisable. Real-Time PCR allowed a specific and accurate amplification of allergen sequences. Some food processing methods could induce structural and/or conformational changes in proteins by altering their allergenic capacity, as well as produce the fragmentation and/or degradation of genomic DNA. In this work, we analysed by means of Real-Time PCR, the influence of pressure and thermal processing through Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (DIC) on the detectability of hazelnut, pistachio and cashew allergens. The detection of targets in hazelnut, pistachio and cashew (Cor a 9, Pis v 1 and Ana o 1, respectively) is affected by the treatment to different extents depending on the tree nut. Results are compared to those previously obtained by our group in the analysis of different treatments on the amplificability of the same targets. Reduction in amplificability is similar to that reported for some autoclave conditions. Our assays might allow for the detection of up to 1000 mg/kg of hazelnut, pistachio and cashew flours after being submitted to DIC treatment in food matrices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Researches in Food Allergen Detection)

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Review

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22 pages, 2110 KiB

Open AccessReview

From Polyclonal Sera to Recombinant Antibodies: A Review of Immunological Detection of Gluten in Foodstuff

by Eduardo Garcia-Calvo, Aina García-García, Raquel Madrid, Rosario Martin and Teresa García

Foods 2021, 10(1), 66; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods10010066 - 30 Dec 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4995

Abstract

Gluten is the ethanol-soluble protein fraction of cereal endosperms like wheat, rye, and barley. It is widely used in the food industry because of the physical–chemical properties it gives to dough. Nevertheless, there are some gluten-related diseases that are presenting increasing prevalences, e.g., [...] Read more.

Gluten is the ethanol-soluble protein fraction of cereal endosperms like wheat, rye, and barley. It is widely used in the food industry because of the physical–chemical properties it gives to dough. Nevertheless, there are some gluten-related diseases that are presenting increasing prevalences, e.g., celiac disease, for which a strict gluten-free diet is the best treatment. Due to this situation, gluten labeling legislation has been developed in several countries around the world. This article reviews the gluten immune detection systems that have been applied to comply with such regulations. These systems have followed the development of antibody biotechnology, which comprise three major methodologies: polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) derived from hybridoma cells (some examples are 401.21, R5, G12, and α-20 antibodies), and the most recent methodology of recombinant antibodies. Initially, the main objective was the consecution of new high-affinity antibodies, resulting in low detection and quantification limits that are mainly achieved with the R5 mAb (the gold standard for gluten detection). Increasing knowledge about the causes of gluten-related diseases has increased the complexity of research in this field, with current efforts not only focusing on the development of more specific and sensitive systems for gluten but also the detection of protein motifs related to pathogenicity. New tools based on recombinant antibodies will provide adequate safety and traceability methodologies to meet the increasing market demand for gluten-free products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Researches in Food Allergen Detection)

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14 pages, 762 KiB

Open AccessReview

Proteomics-Based Methodologies for the Detection and Quantification of Seafood Allergens

by Mónica Carrera, Manuel Pazos and María Gasset

Foods 2020, 9(8), 1134; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods9081134 - 18 Aug 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5229

Abstract

Seafood is considered one of the main food allergen sources by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It comprises several distinct groups of edible aquatic animals, including fish and shellfish, such as crustacean and mollusks. Recently, the EFSA recognized the high risk of [...] Read more.

Seafood is considered one of the main food allergen sources by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It comprises several distinct groups of edible aquatic animals, including fish and shellfish, such as crustacean and mollusks. Recently, the EFSA recognized the high risk of food allergy over the world and established the necessity of developing new methodologies for its control. Consequently, accurate, sensitive, and fast detection methods for seafood allergy control and detection in food products are highly recommended. In this work, we present a comprehensive review of the applications of the proteomics methodologies for the detection and quantification of seafood allergens. For this purpose, two consecutive proteomics strategies (discovery and targeted proteomics) that are applied to the study and control of seafood allergies are reviewed in detail. In addition, future directions and new perspectives are also provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Researches in Food Allergen Detection)

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