Innovative approach for mango allergen identification in processed foods using immunomagnetic nanoparticle-enhanced UPLC-MS/MS

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica) is favored for its flavor and nutritional benefits, yet it also poses significant allergenic risks, potentially triggering severe anaphylactic reactions in sensitive individuals. Addressing the urgent need for accurate allergen detection, this study introduces a novel approach utilizing immunomagnetic nanoparticles (IMNPs) combined with ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to identify the 40-kDa major mango allergen in processed foods. By employing 100 nm IMNPs, the method effectively isolates and concentrates the allergens from complex food matrices, facilitating precise UPLC-MS/MS analysis. Demonstrating exceptional specificity, the technique accurately distinguishes mango allergens from those in nine other fruits and vegetables. It achieves low limits of detection (LODs) of 0.032 μg/mL in juice and 0.165 μg/g in cookies. When tested on 34 commercial products and compared with a real-time PCR method approved by the Taiwan FDA, the method validated its high specificity (100%) and sensitivity (92.9%), based on the ingredient labeling of these products. These advancements mark a significant leap in allergen detection technology, offering a sensitive, specific, and practical solution for identifying mango allergen residues in processed foods, thereby enhancing food safety protocols and protecting public health.