Quantification of chicory root bitterness by an ELISA for 11β,13-dihydrolactucin

Chicory root (Cichorium intybus L. var. sativum) is an important foodstuff appreciated for its bitter taste, which is caused by sesquiterpene lactones. These compounds represent a quality parameter for monitoring the raw material. Using polyclonal antibodies, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to quantify the bitter compound 11β,13-dihydrolactucin in chicory root. Assay linearity ranged from 4.6 to 300 ng/ml, with intra- and inter-assay variations of 4.9% and 7.2%, respectively. An IC₅₀ of 2 ng/ml and a detection limit of 0.16 ng/ml were obtained. No or little cross-reactions with other sesquiterpene lactones occurred. Roots of three different chicory varieties were evaluated for their bitter taste and were investigated by the ELISA. Distinct concentrations of 11β,13-dihydrolactucin ranging from 485 to 1720 mg/kg dry matter were correlated with the bitterness degree (r = 0.9). The ELISA appeared sensitive, selective, accurate and may serve as screening tool in breeding of chicory roots for bitterness.