Reveal® Q+ MAX for Ergot Alkaloids

Reveal Q+ MAX for Ergot Alkaloids is a single-step lateral flow immunochromatographic assay based on a competitive immunoassay format. The extract is wicked through a reagent zone, which contains antibodies specific for ergot alkaloids conjugated to colloidal gold particles. If ergot alkaloids are present, they will be captured by the particle-antibody complex. The ergot alkaloid-antibody-particle complex is then wicked onto a membrane, which contains a zone of ergot alkaloids conjugated to a protein carrier. This zone captures any uncomplexed ergot alkaloid antibody, allowing the particles to concentrate and form a visible line. As the level of ergot alkaloids in a sample increases, free ergot alkaloids will complex with the antibody-gold particles. This allows less antibody-gold to be captured in the test zone. Therefore, as the concentration of ergot alkaloids in the sample increases, the test line density decreases.    --     Algorithms programmed into Neogen’s Raptor® platform convert these line densities into a quantitative result displayed in parts per billion (ppb). The membrane also contains a control zone where an immune complex present in the reagent zone is captured by an antibody, forming a visible line. The control line will always form, regardless of the presence of ergot alkaloids, ensuring the strip is functioning properly.'