Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #319188
Title: A review of Cry protein detection with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays

Author
item ALBRIGHT, VURTICE - Iowa State University
item Hellmich Ii, Richard
item COATS, JOEL - Iowa State University

Submitted to: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/7/2016
Publication Date: 3/7/2016
Citation: Albright, V.C., Hellmich II, R.L., Coats, J.R. 2016. A review of Cry protein detection with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 64(11)2175-2189. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.5b03766.

Interpretive Summary: The widespread use of Cry proteins in insecticide formulations and transgenic crops for insect control has led to an increased interest in the environmental fate of these proteins. Although several detection methods are available to monitor the fate of Cry proteins in the environment, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have emerged as the preferred detection method, due to their cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and rapid results. Validation of ELISAs is necessary to ensure accurate measurements of Cry protein concentrations in the environment. Validation methodology has been extensively researched and published for the areas of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision; however, biological validation of ELISA results has been studied to a lesser extent. This review discusses the history of Cry proteins, their usage for insect control, the use and validation of ELISAs, and introduces biological validation. The state of Cry protein environmental fate research is considered through a critical review of published literature to identify areas where the use of validation protocols can be improved.

Technical Abstract: Several detection methods are available to monitor the fate of Cry proteins in the environment, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have emerged as the preferred detection method, due to their cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and rapid results. Validation of ELISAs is necessary to ensure accurate measurements of Cry protein concentrations in the environment. Validation methodology has been extensively researched and published for the areas of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision; however, biological validation of ELISA results has been studied to a lesser extent. This review discusses the history of Cry proteins, their usage for insect control, the use and validation of ELISAs, and introduces biological validation. The state of Cry protein environmental fate research is considered through a critical review of published literature to identify areas where the use of validation protocols can be improved.