Functional and Structural Biological Methods for Palytoxin Detection

Palytoxin (PLTX) and its analogues are marine polyethers identified in Palythoa Zoanthus corals, Ostreopsis dinoflagellates, Trichodesmium cyanobacteria. Humans can be exposed to these toxins by different routes with a series of adverse effects but the most severe risk is associated poisonings consumption edible organisms accumulating toxins, as occurs (sub)-tropical areas. In temperate areas, ascribed PLTXs have been recorded after inhalation aerosols and/or cutaneous contact seawater during blooms, well cleaning procedures Palythoa-containing home aquaria. Besides instrumental analytical methods, last years alternative or complementary methods based on biological/biochemical tools developed for rapid specific PLTX detection required assessment. These usually sensitive, cost- time-effective, do not require highly specialized operators. Among them, structural immunoassays functional cell-based assays reviewed. The availability anti-PLTX antibodies allowed development sensitive assays, suitable also complex matrices, such mussels. addition, knowing mechanism action, identification has developed. Despite some them being limited matrix specificity issues, biological represent feasible tool, screening.