Technologies for Detecting and Determining the Bioavailability of Bacterial Toxins

Provide toxicological data and analytical methodology for microbial toxins that will help ensure a safe food supply. (1) Develop new assays for bacterial toxins and their variants, using immunological and other methods, with emphasis on applicability to practical problems facing the food industry and regulatory agencies. Develop new monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based assays for botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), non-toxic neurotoxin-associated proteins, and Shiga toxins (Stx), and optimize antibodies for biosensor applications. Develop methodology for detection of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and a multiplex bead-array assay for detecting Stx and STEC pathogenicity/virulence factors. Develop improved activity assay for staphylococcal enterotoxins. (2) Calibrate in vitro methodology against established animal bioassays, and develop new data on the bioavailability of toxins, the impact of food processing on toxin activities, and the significance of antibody-mediated clearance on toxicity, especially via the oral route of intoxication. Determine the bioavailability of different botulinum neurotoxin serotypes. Validate new toxin assays using activity assays.