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. In collaboration with Dr. Leanne Flewelling of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. (IOS) proposes to develop a shore-side, portable, fast, cost-effective PbTx detection immunoassay using lateral flow assays (LFA). Coupling of detector antibodies to high quantum yield labeling technology will enhance assay sensitivity. With this beachside assay, unlike the current laboratory-based assays, NOAA can then implement routine coastal monitoring. In Phase I, IOS will evaluate the feasibility of developing a cost-effective lateral flow assay for the rapid detection of brevetoxins in seawater, with analysis made possible by the use of a portable test strip reader for fluorescent measurement that can be extended to shellfish testing in Phase II.