Preparation of Hybridomas Producing Monoclonal Antibodies against Aflatoxin B1 as a Tool to Control Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Hybridomas that secreted antibodies against aflatoxin B1 for multiple uses were prepared using a unique immunization schedule. Aflatoxin B1-BSA conjugate was used for immunization of Balb/c mice. Spleen cells were harvested from the hyper immunized mice to be fused with myeloma cell line (P3NS1) using polyethylene glycol 3000, 50% concentration as a fusogenic agent. The produced hybridomas were selected using HAT selective medium that was replaced by complete HT medium. From the 10 th day after fusion, wells that contain colonies of hybridomas covering 30% or greater of the wells surface were screened for production of monoclonal antibodies against aflatoxin B1 using ELISA. 21 hybridomas were found to be reactive to aflatoxin B1. All were found to belong to IgG 2a isotype except one was found to belong to IgM isotype. The prepared monoclonal antibodies and their application to immunoassays represents a useful and rapid quantitative measurement with high affinity and low detection limits in order to purify environmentally occurring levels of this carcinogen specially in areas at high risk for liver cancer.