Method and System for Detection of Natural High Intensity Sweeteners that Contain Hydroxyl Groups

Abstract

The present invention provides a hapten derivative and conjugate of a natural high intensity sweetener containing hydroxyl groups. The conjugate can be used to produce antibodies specific against the natural high intensity sweetener. The present invention further provides a kit and method for detecting and quantifying the natural high intensity sweetener in a sample.

1 . A hapten derivative comprising a natural high intensity sweetener derivatized with an imidazole carboxylic ester, said hapten derivative having the structure (R3): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein the “wavy line” indicates rest of the structure of the natural high intensity sweetener, which in combination with the disclosed sugar moiety in (R3) makes the full structure of the natural high intensity sweetener, and wherein the hapten derivative is used for further making conjugates for being used as an immunogen for generating antibodies specific for the natural high intensity sweetener or a reagent for detecting the natural high intensity sweetener, wherein the natural high intensity sweetener comprises steviol glucosides. 
     
     
         2 . The hapten derivative of  claim 1 , wherein the natural high intensity sweetener is selected from the group consisting of Dulcoside A, Rebaudiosides A, B, C, D, E, and F, steviolbioside, Rubusoside, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The hapten derivative of  claim 1 , wherein the R3 is formed by reacting the natural high intensity sweetener with N,N′-carbonyldiimidazole. 
     
     
         5 - 21 . (canceled)