Simplified DNA Probe Identification of Harmful Algal Species

Certain algal species have been identified as producing toxins which when ingested can cause illness and death in humans and many marine species. While it is possible and necessary to test for the actual toxins, this proposal describes the development of a rapid DNA probe based test for detection of toxin producing algal species. The test is semi-automated, easy-to-use, requires little technical training, and can be used shipboard or in a laboratory environment for real-time testing of whole water samples. To run the assay, whole water samples are filtered to concentrate any organisms present onto a filter which is then treated with simple lysis solutions to liberate nucleic acids. The lysed sample is loaded into a well of a microwell plate which contains pre-dispensed reagents necessary for the hybridization assay. The microwell plate and a polystyrene solid phase are loaded onto a robotic processor where the assay is completed by the processor automatically in about 45 minutes. The prototype assay to be developed is for a North American, Western European, and Temeprate Asian populations of Alexandrium. The test system is openly expandable, and will be directly applicable to the detection of other problem harmful algae.