Innovative detection methods for aquatic algal toxins and their presence in the food chain

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2013 Sep;405(24):7719-32. doi: 10.1007/s00216-013-7108-6. Epub 2013 Jul 3.

Abstract

Detection of aquatic algal toxins has become critical for the protection of human health. During the last 5 years, techniques such as optical, electrochemical, and piezoelectric biosensors or fluorescent-microsphere-based assays have been developed for the detection of aquatic algal toxins, in addition to optimization of existing techniques, to achieve higher sensitivities, specificity, and speed or multidetection. New toxins have also been incorporated in the array of analytical and biological methods. The impact of the former innovation on this field is highlighted by recent changes in legal regulations, with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry becoming the official reference method for marine lipophilic toxins and replacing the mouse bioassay in many countries. This review summarizes the large international effort to provide routine testing laboratories with fast, sensitive, high-throughput, multitoxin, validated methods for the screening of seafood, algae, and water samples.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry Techniques, Analytical*
  • Drinking Water / chemistry
  • Food Chain*
  • Humans
  • International Cooperation
  • Marine Toxins / analysis*
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Drinking Water
  • Marine Toxins