Rapid detection of ricin at trace levels in complex matrices by asialofetuin-coated beads and bottom-up proteomics using high-resolution mass spectrometry.

ABSTRACT: Ricin is a toxic protein regarded as a potential chemical weapon for bioterrorism or criminal use. In the event of a ricin incident, rapid analytical methods are essential for ricin confirmation in a diversity of matrices, from environmental to human or food samples. Mass spectrometry-based methods provide specific toxin identification but require prior enrichment by antibodies to reach trace-level detection in matrices. Here, we describe a novel assay using the glycoprotein asialofetuin as an alternative to antibodies for ricin enrichment, combined with the specific detection of signature peptides by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Additionally, optimizations made to the assay reduced the sample preparation time from 5 h to 80 min only. Method evaluation confirmed the detection of rici

SUBMITTER: Piquet P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11377644 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature