Algal Toxin Detection
Labnostix is proud to offer Phytoxigene — advanced qPCR solutions for the detection and quantification of cyanobacteria and their toxin-producing genes in environmental samples.
Genetics of Biotoxin Production and Prediction
Cyanobacterial toxins are produced by many species and strains of cyanobacteria across multiple genera. Because toxicity is not uniform between strains, conventional bacteriological classification cannot reliably predict it — and traditional analytical methods for detecting the toxins are slow and non-predictive. Advances in understanding the biosynthetic pathways of toxin production now make it possible to detect the specific genes responsible for toxin production, giving a faster, predictive route to algal bloom risk assessment.
Phytoxigene CyanoDTec
CyanoDTec is a qPCR assay that detects and quantifies cyanobacteria and their toxin-producing genes in environmental samples. It identifies and quantifies total cyanobacteria alongside five genes responsible for six different toxins and their congeners:
- Cyanobacteria species — 16s rRNA
- Microcystin & Nodularin — mcyE/ndaF
- Cylindrospermopsin — cyrA
- Saxitoxin — sxtA
- Anatoxin — anaC
- Guanitoxin — gntA
Standardised & validated
Standardised
CyanoDTec is an internationally standardised cyanobacteria method that uses certified genetic reference material (Phytoxigene CyanoNAS).
Validated
It offers a highly sensitive and specific solution for harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring and risk assessment. CyanoDTec is certified for use by the Ohio EPA in their Public Water Source Program and has been referenced in over 30 peer-reviewed publications.
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