BIOAMINA - Colorimetric multiplex assay for rapid detection of biogenic amines

The consumption of food containing biogenic amines is reported to be responsible for many pharmacological effects (diarrhea, headache, rhinoconjunctival symptoms, asthma, hypotension, arrhythmia, urticaria, pruritus, flushing) which lead to several types of foodborne disease, including histamine poisoning, mainly from ingestion of certain species of fish (scombroid poisoning), and tyramine toxicity (cheese reaction). Amines have also been implicated as the cause of toxicity to chicks and were also studied as carcinogenic precursors. Nevertheless, the occurrence of symptoms that result from such interactions remains hypothetical, because there are no acceptable clinical studies that demonstrate such reactions. One reason is the lack of reliable test methods. In BIOAMINA we, the Austrian Institute of Technology, Health and Environment Department and the Danube University Krems, Center of Integrated Sensor Systems will contribute to this issue developing a multiplex diagnostic tool that is capable of reliably and simultaneously measuring histamine, tyramine, putrescine and other biogenic amines in test food, serum and urine. For validation of the colorimetric enzyme-based assays and detection systems in clinically relevant samples an oral open food challenge study with healthy volunteers shall be conducted at the Karl Landsteiner Institute St. Poelten. ** This work is partially co-funded by the NÖ Forschungs- und Bildungsges.m.b.H. (NFB) within the Life Science Call.