Harmful algal blooms and food-safety problems caused by algal toxins generated by algae appear to have grown in incidence. Therefore, a variety of detection methods for algal toxins have been developed for the detection of trace or large amounts of algal toxins.

As an expert in algae research, Lifeasible can provide professional, efficient, and reliable algal toxin detection services with detailed reports for clients worldwide.

Introduction to Algal Toxin

Aquatic algal toxins are a heterogeneous group of toxic compounds, mainly produced by microalgae and cyanobacteria, that pose a serious threat to human health. Toxic algae are classified into six main groups, including Cyanobacteria, Dinoflagellates, Diatoms, Raphidophytes, Pelagophytes, and Haptophytes, and this taxonomic diversity allows them to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.

Challenges of Aquatic Algal Toxin Detection

One of the challenges in the detection of aquatic algal toxins is the existence of many groups of toxins with different chemical structures. There is also diversity in the origin, mechanisms of action, toxicity symptoms, distribution, and pathways through the trophic chain for these algal toxin groups to reach humans. In addition, their threat to human health varies depending on symptoms and virulence.

Methods in Algal Toxin Detection

Methodological improvements in the detection of algal toxins have focused on the generation of rapid, sensitive, multi-toxin detection techniques.

• Analytical Methods
  Analytical methods include chromatography or electrophoresis for separation followed by identification with UV detection, fluorescence detection, electrochemistry, or mass spectrometry to identify and quantify individual compounds of a toxin group. LC-MS is currently the most commonly used method for the analysis of aquatic algal toxins.
• Biological Methods
  Immunoassays, receptor-based assays, and functional assays are the traditional methods for the detection of algal toxins. Antibody-based, innovative immunoassays are developed for the monitoring of algal toxins, mainly in ELISA format.
  Novel algal detection systems use microspheres rather than planar surface immobilization reagents. This system allows different types of microspheres to be mixed in the same sample and to separate and classify them by a technique similar to flow fluorimetry/cytometry.
• Biosensor Methods
  Sensors that use biological components as analyte recognition elements (cells, membranes, macromolecules, etc.) are called biosensors.
  Electrochemical biosensors are the first sensors to be included in the arsenal of aquatic biotoxin analysis and include mainly amperometric, differential pulse voltammetry, and capacitive sensors.
  Optical biosensors, including resonance mirror biosensors, chemiluminescent flow injection analysis biosensors, evaporative wave fiber optic biosensors, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based biosensors are other technologies that have been incorporated into marine toxin detection.

Our Services

As a professional algae research company, Lifeasible is able to provide quality algal toxin detection services.

Detection of Multiple Algal Toxins

We offer detection for a wide range of algal toxins, including but not limited to the following 12 algal toxins.

Multiple Methods for the Detection of Algal Toxins

We offer a wide range of assays for algal toxins, including analytical methods, biological methods, and biosensor methods.

Why Choose Us

Lifeasible is experienced in the field of algae-related services. Over the years, we have provided professional and high-quality algal toxin detection services to many institutions and research groups. Please contact us for more information.

Our services are for research use only and not for any clinical use.