Liofilchem® MAIA Starter + Medium

The Liofilchem® MAIA Starter + Medium reagents are essential components of the MAIA Pesticide MultiTest, used for detecting organophosphate, organochloride, and carbamate pesticide residues. These reagents facilitate the Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Inhibition Assay (MAIA), a semi-quantitative screening method for food and water safety testing.

Key Features:

1. Enzyme-Based Detection:
   • Utilizes mammalian acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity inhibition to detect pesticide residues.
   • Targets pesticides from three major families: organophosphate, organochloride, and carbamate.
2. Colorimetric Screening:
   • Chromogenic reaction with acetylthiocholine iodide (ATCI) and 5,5'-Dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB).
   • Visual results through a color card or quantitative absorbance measurement using a microplate reader.
3. Comprehensive Kit:
   • Includes:
     • 10 vials of freeze-dried MAIA MEDIUM containing AChE and pH buffer.
     • 10 vials of MAIA STARTER with ATCI and DTNB.
4. Temperature Adaptability:
   • Desiccation and incubation times are adjustable based on laboratory temperature (18–25 °C), ensuring optimal reaction conditions.
5. Precise and Safe:
   • Designed for professional use, following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
   • Contains non-reactive and preservative components for safe handling.

Applications:

1. Food and Beverage Testing:
   • Screening for pesticide residues in solid (e.g., fruits, vegetables) and liquid (e.g., milk, juices) food matrices.
2. Water Safety Analysis:
   • Detects pesticide contamination in drinking water and environmental samples.
3. Environmental Monitoring:
   • Routine testing of soil and marine water for pesticide residues.
4. Research and Development:
   • Studies on pesticide effects and their interactions with biological systems.

Protocol Overview:

1. Preparation:
   • Reconstitute the MEDIUM solution with ultrapure water and gently mix.
   • Reconstitute the STARTER solution with ultrapure water using a magnetic stirring bar.
2. Reaction Setup:
   • Pre-incubate the enzyme (MEDIUM solution) with desiccated extracts to enhance pesticide-induced inhibition.
   • Add the STARTER solution to initiate the reaction.
3. Detection:
   • Stop the reaction with the STOPPER solution after the prescribed incubation time.
   • Compare color intensity visually or measure absorbance using a microplate reader.
4. Result Interpretation:
   • Yellow color intensity is inversely proportional to pesticide concentration.
   • Compare results with a Color Card or Control Columns for accurate interpretation.

Temperature Guidelines:

Specifications:

Kit Components:

Advantages:

1. Versatile Application:
   • Detects a wide range of pesticide residues in food, water, and environmental matrices.
2. Dual Analysis Options:
   • Visual evaluation using a Color Card or quantitative analysis via absorbance measurement.
3. Customizable Protocol:
   • Adjustable reaction and desiccation times ensure compatibility with varying laboratory conditions.
4. Reliable Results:
   • High sensitivity and accuracy for first-level pesticide screening.

Storage and Handling:

• Store all reagents at 2–8 °C in their original packaging.
• Avoid exposure to heat, direct light, or significant temperature fluctuations.
• Do not use past the labeled expiry date or if signs of deterioration are present.

References:

1. Anastassiades, M., et al. (2003). "Fast multiresidue method for pesticide determination." J. AOAC Int. 86(2): 412-31.
2. Ellman, G.L., et al. (1961). "Rapid colorimetric determination of acetylcholinesterase activity." Biochem. Pharmacol. 7: 88-95.
3. Galgani, F., & Bocquenne, G. (1989). "Routine detection of organophosphates and carbamates in seawater." Environm. Tech. Lett. 10: 311-322.

Product Details:

The Liofilchem® MAIA Starter + Medium reagents offer a reliable, adaptable, and efficient solution for first-level pesticide residue screening. Designed for use in professional laboratories, this kit is essential for food safety, environmental monitoring, and research applications.