Current Trends and Challenges for Rapid SMART Diagnostics at Point-of-Site Testing for Marine Toxins
Date
2021-04-03
Journal Title
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Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
In the past twenty years marine biotoxin analysis in routine regulatory monitoring has
advanced significantly in Europe (EU) and other regions from the use of the mouse bioassay (MBA)
towards the high-end analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
with tandem mass spectrometry (MS). Previously, acceptance of these advanced methods, in progressing
away from the MBA, was hindered by a lack of commercial certified analytical standards for
method development and validation. This has now been addressed whereby the availability of a
wide range of analytical standards from several companies in the EU, North America and Asia has
enhanced the development and validation of methods to the required regulatory standards. However,
the cost of the high-end analytical equipment, lengthy procedures and the need for qualified personnel
to perform analysis can still be a challenge for routine monitoring laboratories. In developing
regions, aquaculture production is increasing and alternative inexpensive Sensitive, Measurable,
Accurate and Real-Time (SMART) rapid point-of-site testing (POST) methods suitable for novice end
users that can be validated and internationally accepted remain an objective for both regulators and
the industry. The range of commercial testing kits on the market for marine toxin analysis remains
limited and even more so those meeting the requirements for use in regulatory control. Individual
assays include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and lateral flow membrane-based
immunoassays (LFIA) for EU-regulated toxins, such as okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxins
(DTXs), saxitoxin (STX) and its analogues and domoic acid (DA) in the form of three separate tests
offering varying costs and benefits for the industry. It can be observed from the literature that not
only are developments and improvements ongoing for these assays, but there are also novel assays
being developed using upcoming state-of-the-art biosensor technology. This review focuses on both
currently available methods and recent advances in innovative methods for marine biotoxin testing
and the end-user practicalities that need to be observed. Furthermore, it highlights trends that
are influencing assay developments such as multiplexing capabilities and rapid POST, indicating
potential detection methods that will shape the future market.
Description
Publication history: Accepted - 24 March 2021; Published - 3 April 2021.
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Keywords
marine toxins, methods of analysis, SMART diagnostics, POST, multiplex detection
Citation
Dillon, M., Zaczek-Moczydlowska, M. A., Edwards, C., Turner, A. D., Miller, P. I., Moore, H., McKinney, A., Lawton, L. and Campbell, K. (2021) ‘Current Trends and Challenges for Rapid SMART Diagnostics at Point-of-Site Testing for Marine Toxins’, Sensors. MDPI AG, 21(7), p. 2499. doi: 10.3390/s21072499.