Rapid Lateral Flow Assay for Field Detection of Brevetoxins

The bloom-forming algae Karenia brevis produces neurotoxins known as brevetoxins (PbTx) that can cause illness in humans and marine wildlife. During K. brevis blooms, also known as red tides, elevated levels of brevetoxins have been linked to massive bird, fish, and marine mammal kills. In addition, human consumption of brevetoxin contaminated shellfish leads to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. The economic impact of K. brevis blooms in Florida alone has been estimated to be upwards of $30M/year.[1] In collaboration with Dr. Leanne Flewelling of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, NeoClone, Catalina Sea Ranch, and VICAM, Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. (IOS) proposes to continue its development of a fast and portable shoreside lateral flow assay (LFA) for cost-effective immunoassay detection of PbTx. Coupling of detector antibodies to highly fluorescent labels technology has proved in Phase I to enhance assay sensitivity. As a result, with this beach-side assay, unlike the current laboratory assays, NOAA can implement routine coastal monitoring. In Phase II, IOS will validate assay sensitivity and develop a cost-effective sampling and testing kit for the rapid detection of brevetoxins in seawater, and ultimately in shellfish meat.