Patent number: EP4379062A1
A kit for pesticide detection (including organophosphates, organochlorines and herbicides, among others) based on inhibition of specific cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes.
A novel method for detecting chemical substances based on inhibition of the activity of a selected set of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. The system detects a decrease in the signal generated by the catalytic reaction of CYP enzymes, indicating the presence of a chemical substance acting as an inhibitor.
It enables on-site (in situ) control at the sampling point, using a single assay, of pesticides from different chemical families—enhancing environmental and food safety against this type of contaminant. This kit allows sample screening prior to confirmatory analysis using reference methodologies such as chromatography.
A simple measurement protocol comprising the following steps:
Incubation of CYP enzymes with the sample or extract to be analysed.
Addition of a substrate or a mixture of substrates.
Determination of the resulting signal.
Comparison with a reference to determine the inhibition percentage, which is associated with the presence of chemical substances that inhibit CYP enzymes.
Rapid detection (around 1 hour) and on-site (in situ).
Multi-analyte detection (multiple pesticides simultaneously).
No need for costly equipment.
Adaptable for application in a range of food, environmental and biological matrices.
Monitoring fresh or processed foods to detect the presence of pesticides.
Simultaneous detection of multiple pesticides from different chemical families, including organophosphates (e.g., chlorpyrifos, diazinon), azoles (e.g., prochloraz, penconazole), pyrethroids (e.g., cypermethrin, deltamethrin), phthalimides (e.g., captan, folpet), triazines (e.g., simazine), dinitrophenols, organochlorines, synergists, among others.
Sectors: Food sector, Ingredients industry
Research lines: Bioeconomy, Food Quality and Safety, One health
Research sublines: Minimising food safety risks