Bt Cry1Ab+Cry1Ac ELISA Kit

Sample

Seeds, Leaf Tissue, Water, and Soil Samples

Detection Method

sELISA

Intended Use

The Bt Cry1Ab/1Ac ELISA is an immunoassay for the qualitative screening detection of Bt Cry1Ab/1Ac protein residues. The Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ab/1Ac protein is an insecticidal crystalline protein expressed by the Cry1Ab/1Ac gene in certain strains of genetically modified plants. This test is suitable for the qualitative detection of Bt Cry1Ab/1Ac in MON810, Bt11, Bollgard®, Bollgard II®, or WideStrike® corn seed, cottonseed, leaf tissue, sur- face water, and soil samples (please refer to the appropriate sample preparation or extraction). If necessary, positive samples can be confirmed by PCR or other conventional methods.

Storage

The Bt Cry1Ab/1Ac ELISA Kit should to be stored in the refrigerator (2-8°C). The solutions must be allowed to reach room temperature (20-25°C) before use. Reagents may be used until the last day of the month as indicated by the expiration date on the box.

General Description

This kit may be used with known percentages of Bt Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac-expressing corn samples, such as MON810 or Bt11, which are available from the European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements. They can be used as standards or calibrators to test for measurement of ground corn samples. This kit can also be calibrated with pure Cry1Ab or Cry1Ac protein. This kit shows <1% cross reactivity with Bt Cry9Ac, Bt Cry2A, Bt Cry1F, Bt Cry3B, and CP4 EPSPS.
Bt Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac, a protein derived from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis, is expressed in certain genetically modified (GM) corn and cotton plants, such as YieldGard® corn and Bollgard®, WideStrike® cotton. The Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac protein targets the larvae of multiple Lepidopteran (moth) species by binding to specific receptors in the larva's gut with cascading effects that ultimately leads to death. Routes of exposure affecting regulatory decisions include direct contact, such as non-target organisms feeding on crop tissues, seeds, or plant residues containing Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac, and indirect contact, such as exposure to the toxin in pollen, soil contaminated by decomposing plant material containing Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac, and predators consuming target species. Although initial testing showed low environmental impact and toxicity, controversy has arisen over the long-term impact of GM crops on the environment and whether or not GM foods are safe for consumption. Several animal studies have shown serious health risks, such as infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs including the gastrointestinal system, can be associated with the consumption GM products. Bt proteins have been shown to leach into the soil and streams. Efforts like the Non-GMO Project are raising awareness towards the growing number of problems associated with this technology and generating a larger public demand for manufacturers to label their products accordingly. The Bt Cry1Ab/1Ac ELISA allows for the analysis of 46 samples in duplicate determination. The test can be performed in 90 minutes

Standard Curve

Quantitative standard curve is for illustration purposes only and to demonstrate assay sensitivity. The limit of detection is 0.175 ng/g.The kit is offered with positive and Negative controls only.