A Lateral Field Excited Sensor Element for Saxitoxin in a Marine Environment

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I grant will demonstrate the feasibility of using a Lateral Field Excited (LFE) acoustic wave sensor platform coated with a selective chemical film for the rapid in situ detection of saxitoxin (STX). Shellfish containing STX, a product of a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) such as Red Tide, is one of the primary causes of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) in humans. Quick and effective methods for detecting STX are necessary to protect the public health as well as soften the economic burden of HAB events on the shellfish industry. The current Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) accepted method to detect STX is the mouse bioassay. This method is a long lab-based test with both technical and ethical limitations. The objectives of this research will be to i) optimize the STX-sensitive chemical film deposited on the LFE sensor platform surface, ii) obtain the LFE STX sensor element response in deionized water, NaCl (saline) solution, and sea water, and iii) obtain the LFE STX sensor element response to shellfish meat. The anticipated outcome of this Phase I effort will be the demonstration of a rapid, sensitive in situ STX sensor element. This sensor element will be integrated into a total sensor system in Phase II work for deployment in the ocean or as a direct, single shift lab-based replacement for the lab-based mouse bioassay.