VHH Antibody Fragments Against Internalin B, a Virulence Factor of Listeria monocytogenes: Reagents for Biosensor Development

Abstract

The food processing industry requires alternative methods for detecting the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes that are cheaper and faster than the current methods. Conventional antibodies and their fragments have been used as biorecognition elements in sensors before, but their use is hindered by high production cost and relative instability. These issues are resolved by VHH fragments, derived from the heavy chain-only antibodies found in Camelidae. VHHs are inexpensive to produce, and are more resistant to environmental stressors. This work describes the isolation of phage-displayed VHHs that recognize recombinant Internalin B, a virulence factor characteristic of L. monocytogenes. Clone R303 was chosen for further characterization, and shown to bind full-length Internalin B. Furthermore, immobilized R303 was shown to capture L. monocytogenes cells. This panel of VHHs, particularly R303, can be utilized by colleagues within the Sentinel Bioactive Paper Network to make a viable biosensor for L. monocytogenes.