Developing Gold Nanoparticles-Conjugated Aflatoxin B1 Antifungal Strips.

Lateral flow immunochromatographic assays are a powerful diagnostic tool for point-of-care tests, based on their simplicity, specificity, and sensitivity. In this study, a rapid and sensitive gold nanoparticle (AuNP) immunochromatographic strip is produced for detecting aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in suspicious fungi-contaminated food samples. The 10 nm AuNPs were encompassed by bovine serum albumin (BSA) and […]

Low-cost sugarcane bagasse and peanut shell magnetic-composites applied in the removal of carbofuran and iprodione pesticides.

In the present study, two agro-industrial wastes, sugarcane bagasse, and peanut shell were employed as support of magnetite nanoparticles for the synthesis of magnetic bio-composites: magnetic sugarcane bagasse (MBO) and magnetic peanut shell (MPSo). The presence of magnetite was verified by Raman spectroscopy. Magnetic nanoparticles shape and size distribution were studied by TEM, while composites […]

Sensitivity programmable ratiometric electrochemical aptasensor based on signal engineering for the detection of aflatoxin B1 in peanut.

Accurately monitoring of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most hazardous mycotoxin in agricultural products, is essential for the public health, but various testing demands (e.g. detection range, sensitivity) for different samples can be challenging for sensors. Here, we developed a sensitivity-programmable ratiometric electrochemical aptasensor for AFB1 analysis in peanut. Thionine functionalized reduced graphene oxide (THI-rGO) served […]

Vaccine against peanut allergy based on engineered Virus-Like-Particles displaying single major peanut allergens.

Background: Peanut allergy is a severe and increasingly frequent disease with high medical, psychosocial and economical burden for affected patients. A causal, safe and effective therapy is not available. Objective: We aimed to develop an immunogenic, protective and non-reactogenic vaccine candidate against peanut allergy based on Virus-like Particles (VLPs) coupled to single peanut allergens. Methods: To generate vaccine […]

Comparative analysis of eliciting capacity of raw and roasted peanuts: the role of gastrointestinal digestion.

This study investigated the simultaneous impact of food matrix and processing on the food allergy eliciting capacity of peanuts in a physiologically relevant context. Whole raw and roasted peanuts were subjected to in vitro digestion combining the harmonized oral-gastric-duodenal digestion models with brush border membrane enzymes (BBM) to simulate the jejunal degradation of peptides. SDS-PAGE […]

Advances in the management of peanut allergy (oral immunotherapy and epicutaneous immunotherapy).

Background: Peanut allergy affects up to 2% of the general population and carries not only the risk of potentially life-threatening allergic reactions but also negatively impacts day to day life for patients and their families. Advances in knowledge in immunotherapy is providing families with options for proactive treatment. Objective: To examine the available data for oral immunotherapy (OIT) […]

Real-world tree nut consumption in peanut-allergic individuals.

Background: Individuals with peanut allergy often avoid tree nuts, yet true rates of tree nut allergy in peanut-allergic individuals are as low as 7%. Objective: To examine tree nut sensitization patterns in peanut-allergic individuals, patient and family choice regarding tree nut consumption, and factors that influence consumption of tree nuts. Methods: All patients presenting for […]

Current perspectives on peanut allergy.

Peanut allergy is increasingly prevalent and for most patients is a life-long condition, with the potential to cause life-threatening reactions. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to minimise risks due to accidental peanut exposure. Current management strategies focus on strict allergen avoidance and access to emergency medicines to treat potential reactions; however, active approaches […]

Carbon dioxide production as an indicator of Aspergillus flavus colonisation and aflatoxins/cyclopiazonic acid contamination in shelled peanuts stored under different interacting abiotic factors.

Aspergillus flavus is the main xerophylic species colonising stored peanuts resulting in contamination with aflatoxins (AFs) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). This study evaluated the relationship between storage of shelled peanuts under interacting abiotic conditions on (a) temporal respiration (R) and cumulative CO2 production, (b) dry matter losses (DMLs) and (c) aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and CPA accumulation. Both […]