Assay Development for the Detection of the Major Fish Allergen in Foods

This project is to initiate an integrated learning and research-based program with the goal to promote both undergraduate and graduate students' interests in food safety at Florida State University (FSU). The overall research goal is to develop two assays using two highly selective agents (antibody and aptamer) for the detection of the major fish allergen (i.e., parvalbumin). Four supporting research objectives are (1) parvalbumin purification and characterization; (2) parvalbumin-specific DNA aptamer development and characterization; development and validation of (3) an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) and (4) an aptamer-antibody based sandwich assay for the detection of fish parvalbumin in foods. The overall educational goal is to provide undergraduate and graduate students with multidisciplinary research experience in protein chemistry, immunochemistry, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. It will recruit undergraduate students, especially from underrepresented groups to encourage their pursuit in food safety. Three supporting educational objectives are (1) enhance undergraduate students' involvement and interest in the proposed research and internship programs; (2) improve the graduate training and education in food safety; and (3) initiate the proposed project as a faithful learning opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to pursue their further study or food safety related jobs.