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Kim HS, Kim T, Park J, Park TG, Ki JS. Development of saxitoxin biosynthesis gene sxtB-targeted qPCR assay for the quantification of toxic dinoflagellates Alexandrium catenella (group I) and A. pacificum (group IV) occurring in the Korean coast. HARMFUL ALGAE 2024; 134:102603. [PMID: 38705609 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2024.102603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium can produce saxitoxins (STXs) and cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), and thus they are monitored for environmental safety management. Microscopic discrimination of dinoflagellates is difficult to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic species due to their similar morphology. Meanwhile, an alternative quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay is sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective for harmful species monitoring. Herein, we developed a novel qPCR assay to detect the STXs biosynthesis gene sxtB of Alexandrium catenella and A. pacificum, the leading cause of PSP outbreaks in Asian coasts and worldwide. The newly designed sxtB TaqMan probes target the species without any positive signal in other relative dinoflagellates. Deming regression analysis revealed that the sxtB copy number of A. catenella and A. pacificum was 3.6 and 4.1 copies per cell, respectively. During the blooming periods (April 13th-14th, 2020), only A. catenella cells were detected through the qPCR assay, ranging from 5.0 × 10 to 2.5 × 104 eq cells L-1. In addition, sxtB qPCR quantified more accurately compared to large subunit (LSU) rRNA targeting qPCR assay that overestimate cell density. Besides, the sensitivity of sxtB was higher compared to the microscope when the species were rarely present (5.0 × 102 cells L-1). These suggest that the sxtB qPCR assay can be applied to toxic Alexandrium monitoring in the Korean coast, even in the early stage of bloomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Sol Kim
- Department of Life Science, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Korea
| | - Taehee Kim
- Department of Life Science, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Korea
| | - Jaeyeon Park
- Environment & Resource Convergence Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technologies, Suwon 16229, Korea
| | - Tae Gyu Park
- National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), Busan 46083, Korea
| | - Jang-Seu Ki
- Department of Life Science, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Korea.
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McQuillan JS, Alrefaey A, Turner AD, Morrell N, Stoner O, Brown R, Kay S, Cooke S, Bage T. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction for the estimation of toxigenic microalgae abundance in shellfish production waters. HARMFUL ALGAE 2023; 128:102497. [PMID: 37714581 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Certain species of marine microalgae produce potent biotoxins that pose a risk to human health if contaminated seafood is consumed, particularly filter feeding bivalve shellfish. In regions where this is likely to occur water and seafood produce are regularly monitored for the presence of harmful algal cells and their associated toxins, but the current approach is flawed by a lengthy delay before results are available to local authorities. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) can be used to measure phytoplankton DNA sequences in a shorter timeframe, however it is not currently used in official testing practices. In this study, samples were collected almost weekly over six months from three sites within a known HAB hotspot, St Austell Bay in Cornwall, England. The abundance of algal cells in water was measured using microscopy and qPCR, and lipophilic toxins were quantified in mussel flesh using LC-MS/MS, focusing on the okadaic acid group. An increase in algal cell abundance occurred alongside an increase in the concentration of okadaic acid group toxins in mussel tissue at all three study sites, during September and October 2021. This event corresponded to an increase in the measured levels of Dinophysis accuminata DNA, measured using qPCR. In the following spring, the qPCR detected an increase in D. accuminata DNA levels in water samples, which was not detected by microscopy. Harmful algal species belonging to Alexandrium spp. and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. were also measured using qPCR, finding a similar increase in abundance in Autumn and Spring. The results are discussed with consideration of the potential merits and limitations of the qPCR technique versus conventional microscopy analysis, and its potential future role in phytoplankton surveillance under the Official Controls Regulations pertaining to shellfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S McQuillan
- Ocean Technology and Engineering, National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom.
| | - Ahmed Alrefaey
- Ocean Technology and Engineering, National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D Turner
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Nadine Morrell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Stoner
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Ross Brown
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Kay
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Cooke
- Cornwall Port Health Authority (Cornwall Council), The Docks, Falmouth, TR11 4NR, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Bage
- Cornwall Port Health Authority (Cornwall Council), The Docks, Falmouth, TR11 4NR, United Kingdom
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Zhang C, McIntosh KD, Sienkiewicz N, Stelzer EA, Graham JL, Lu J. Using cyanobacteria and other phytoplankton to assess trophic conditions: A qPCR-based, multi-year study in twelve large rivers across the United States. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 235:119679. [PMID: 37011576 PMCID: PMC10123349 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Phytoplankton is the essential primary producer in fresh surface water ecosystems. However, excessive phytoplankton growth due to eutrophication significantly threatens ecologic, economic, and public health. Therefore, phytoplankton identification and quantification are essential to understanding the productivity and health of freshwater ecosystems as well as the impacts of phytoplankton overgrowth (such as Cyanobacterial blooms) on public health. Microscopy is the gold standard for phytoplankton assessment but is time-consuming, has low throughput, and requires rich experience in phytoplankton morphology. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is accurate and straightforward with high throughput. In addition, qPCR does not require expertise in phytoplankton morphology. Therefore, qPCR can be a useful alternative for molecular identification and enumeration of phytoplankton. Nonetheless, a comprehensive study is missing which evaluates and compares the feasibility of using qPCR and microscopy to assess phytoplankton in fresh water. This study 1) compared the performance of qPCR and microscopy in identifying and quantifying phytoplankton and 2) evaluated qPCR as a molecular tool to assess phytoplankton and indicate eutrophication. We assessed phytoplankton using both qPCR and microscopy in twelve large freshwater rivers across the United States from early summer to late fall in 2017, 2018, and 2019. qPCR- and microscope-based phytoplankton abundance had a significant positive linear correlation (adjusted R2 = 0.836, p-value < 0.001). Phytoplankton abundance had limited temporal variation within each sampling season and over the three years studied. The sampling sites in the midcontinent rivers had higher phytoplankton abundance than those in the eastern and western rivers. For instance, the concentration (geometric mean) of Bacillariophyta, Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, and Dinoflagellates at the sampling sites in the midcontinent rivers was approximately three times that at the sampling sites in the western rivers and approximately 18 times that at the sampling sites in the eastern rivers. Welch's analysis of variance indicates that phytoplankton abundance at the sampling sites in the midcontinent rivers was significantly higher than that at the sampling sites in the eastern rivers (p-value = 0.013) but was comparable to that at the sampling sites in the western rivers (p-value = 0.095). The higher phytoplankton abundance at the sampling sites in the midcontinent rivers was presumably because these rivers were more eutrophic. Indeed, low phytoplankton abundance occurred in oligotrophic or low trophic sites, whereas eutrophic sites had greater phytoplankton abundance. This study demonstrates that qPCR-based phytoplankton abundance can be a useful numerical indicator of the trophic conditions and water quality in freshwater rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiqian Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Sciences and Engineering, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA 70813, United States
| | - Kyle D McIntosh
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, United States
| | - Nathan Sienkiewicz
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Erin A Stelzer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbus, OH 43229, United States
| | | | - Jingrang Lu
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States.
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Liu F, Zhang C, Duan Y, Ma J, Wang Y, Chen G. A detection method for Prorocentrum minimum by an aptamer-gold nanoparticles based colorimetric assay. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 449:131043. [PMID: 36827721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Here, to give early waring for harmful algal blooms caused by Prorocentrum minimum, we reported a simple and rapid colorimetric assay that is named aptamer-gold nanoparticles (GNPs) based colorimetric assay (AGBCA). The GNPs maintain a dispersed state and have a strong characteristic absorption peak at 520 nm. With the addition of NaCl, the stability of the solution will be destroyed and the dispersed GNPs will aggregate. Therefore, the characteristic absorption peak of the GNPs solution will change from 520 nm to 670 nm. Aptamers can be adsorbed on the surface of GNPs, effectively preventing the aggregation of GNPs. In the presence of P. minimum, aptamers will specifically bind to P. minimum, causing the dissociation of the aptamers from GNPs. Consequently, the GNPs will aggregate in the NaCl solution, corresponding to a new absorption peak at 670 nm. A linear relationship between the absorbance ratio variation (ΔA670/A520) and the P. minimum concentration was observed in the concentration range of 1 × 102 - 1 × 107 cells mL-1, with a low detection limit of 8 cells mL-1. The developed AGBCA is characterized by simplicity, strong specificity, and high sensitivity and is thus promising for the quantitative detection of P. minimum in natural samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuguo Liu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai 264209, PR China; School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China
| | - Chunyun Zhang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai 264209, PR China.
| | - Yu Duan
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China
| | - Jinju Ma
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai 264209, PR China
| | - Guofu Chen
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai 264209, PR China
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Rothenberger M, Gleich SJ, Flint E. The underappreciated role of biotic factors in controlling the bloom ecology of potentially harmful microalgae in the Hudson-Raritan Bay. HARMFUL ALGAE 2023; 124:102411. [PMID: 37164564 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite widespread distribution of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and new and improved methods for detecting and quantifying them, no unifying ecological explanation has been found. Improved understanding depends upon local, ecological studies that include analysis of phytoplankton species data in relation to both abiotic and biotic parameters. Ecological network analysis was used to detect co-occurrence patterns among abiotic and biotic parameters in a long-term monitoring dataset (i.e., 2010-2021) from the eutrophic Hudson-Raritan Estuary (HRE) between the states of New York and New Jersey. The regular co-occurrence of potentially harmful bloom-forming species with companion species observed through microscopy was supported by the results of ecological network analysis, which showed that there were far more associations between HAB species and biotic parameters (∼95%) than abiotic parameters (∼5%). Temperature was the environmental variable that was most associated with HAB species throughout the estuary. The numerous network associations of HAB species with one another and with diatoms, dinoflagellates, and zooplankton highlight the complexity of planktonic food webs and interactions. Results also suggest that some taxa may play a central role in structuring the HRE plankton communities. These findings demonstrate that biotic associations play an underappreciated role in plankton structure and the value of examining the ecology of HAB species within the breadth of their biological communities. While network analysis does not fully explain and confirm complex associations among species, it does provide fresh insights and testable hypotheses to strengthen understanding and improve prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Rothenberger
- Biology Department, Lafayette College, Kunkel Hall, Easton, PA 18042, USA.
| | - Samantha J Gleich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Evan Flint
- Mathematics Department, Lafayette College, Pardee Hall, Easton, PA 18042, USA
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Methods and Advances in the Design, Testing and Development of In Vitro Diagnostic Instruments. Processes (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/pr11020403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
With the continuous improvement of medical testing and instrumentation engineering technologies, the design, testing and development methods of in vitro diagnostic instruments are developing rapidly. In vitro diagnostic instruments are also gradually developing into a class of typical high-end medical equipment. The design of in vitro diagnostic instruments involves a variety of medical diagnostic methods and biochemical, physical and other related technologies, and its development process involves complex system engineering. This paper systematically organizes and summarizes the design, testing and development methods of in vitro diagnostic instruments and their development in recent years, focusing on summarizing the related technologies and core aspects of the R&D process, and analyzes the development trend of the in vitro diagnostic instrument market.
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Fang J, Li S, Liu X, He W, Li L, Zhang J, Zhang C, Zhou K. Development of a test strip for rapid detection of Gymnodinium catenatum. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 195:83. [PMID: 36344623 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10708-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are major ecological and environmental problems in China's coastal waters and seriously threaten the stability of the marine ecosystem and human health. Gymnodinium catenatum is a toxic red tide dinoflagellate. It can produce paralytic shellfish toxins (PSP), which cause serious hazards to marine organisms, public health, and safety. In this paper, a test strip based on colloidal gold immunochromatography (GICG) was developed for the rapid detection of Gymnodinium catenatum. The experimental results showed that the test strip has good specificity and sensitivity. It not only detects the different components of Gymnodinium catenatum but also may detect algal toxins. The lowest density of Gymnodinium catenatum that can be detected by this test strip is approximately 120 cells/mL. Cross-reaction indicated that the test strip had a high specificity for Gymnodinium catenatum. This test strip provides a rapid method for in situ detection of Gymnodinium catenatum and a reference method for the monitoring of other harmful algae to serve as an early warning of upcoming red tides. It also provides a new way to prepare more detection methods for toxic algal toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Fang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyue Li
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixin He
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyue Li
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiazhao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Changgong Zhang
- Xiamen Boson Biotech Co., Ltd, Xiamen, 361021, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Kefu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
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Chin Chwan Chuong JJ, Rahman M, Ibrahim N, Heng LY, Tan LL, Ahmad A. Harmful Microalgae Detection: Biosensors versus Some Conventional Methods. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:3144. [PMID: 35590834 PMCID: PMC9103738 DOI: 10.3390/s22093144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, there has been a steady stream of information on the methods and techniques available for detecting harmful algae species. The conventional approaches to identify harmful algal bloom (HAB), such as microscopy and molecular biological methods are mainly laboratory-based and require long assay times, skilled manpower, and pre-enrichment of samples involving various pre-experimental preparations. As an alternative, biosensors with a simple and rapid detection strategy could be an improvement over conventional methods for the detection of toxic algae species. Moreover, recent biosensors that involve the use of nanomaterials to detect HAB are showing further enhanced detection limits with a broader linear range. The improvement is attributed to nanomaterials' high surface area to volume ratio, excellent biological compatibility with biomolecules, and being capable of amplifying the electrochemical signal. Hence, this review presents the potential usage of biosensors over conventional methods to detect HABs. The methods reported for the detection of harmful algae species, ranging from conventional detection methods to current biosensor approaches will be discussed, along with their respective advantages and drawbacks to indicate the future prospects of biosensor technology for HAB event management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Jason Chin Chwan Chuong
- Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI), Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; (J.J.C.C.C.); (N.I.); (L.L.T.)
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia;
- Department of General Educational Development (GED), Faculty of Science & Information Technology, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1341, Bangladesh
| | - Nadiah Ibrahim
- Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI), Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; (J.J.C.C.C.); (N.I.); (L.L.T.)
| | - Lee Yook Heng
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia;
| | - Ling Ling Tan
- Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI), Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; (J.J.C.C.C.); (N.I.); (L.L.T.)
| | - Asmat Ahmad
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia;
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