Development of fluorescence-based receptor binding assays for the detection

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are becoming frequent occurrences off the coasts of the United States, particularly in coastal waters of New England, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean. Historically, HABs have beenassociated with fish kills and marine mammal mortalities; however, their effects on human health and economic loss due to HAB contamination of seafood are becoming more prevalent, with conservative estimates around 82 million annually. The toxic effects of HABs are precipitated by the production of toxins by various species of marine algae and microorganisms, which are then consumed by filter feeding shellfish and finfish. Accumulation in significant quantities can result in toxicity and death in marine animals and humans. Many of the natural toxins produced by marine phytoplankton are heat and acid stable; therefore, cooking contaminated seafood does not eliminate the risk of poisoning. Currently, US state agencies monitor for the presence of toxic p