Single-cell analysis of paralytic shellfish toxins in Alexandrium tamarense by HPLC with post-column fluorescent derivatization

Yuko Cho, Ryoko Ozeki, Mari Yotsu-Yamashita, Yasukatsu Oshima

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    11 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    We developed a methodology for analyzing the C-toxin (C2) content in single Alexandrium tamarense cells; this method was based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). C2 is the main paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) detected in a clonal culture of A. tamarense, which is a common causative organism in cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning in Japan. This HPLC method employs post-column fluorescent derivatization (FL). Mobile phase, column size, flow rate, reagent concentrations, and lamp type for the fluorescent detector were all optimized for the detection of C2. With this improved methodology, we could measure 1 fmol of C2 with a signal to noise ratio (S/N)=2. Clonal heterogeneity within the toxic strain, which was maintained for 13 years after re-isolation from the original clonal culture, ranged from <1fmol to 700fmolcell-1. This report is the first to demonstrate definitively that PST content varies on a cell-by-cell basis in a clonal culture of a dinoflagellate that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)47-53
    Number of pages7
    JournalHarmful Algae
    Volume25
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013 May

    Keywords

    • Alexandrium tamarense
    • Paralytic shellfish toxins
    • Single-cell analysis

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Aquatic Science
    • Plant Science

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Single-cell analysis of paralytic shellfish toxins in Alexandrium tamarense by HPLC with post-column fluorescent derivatization'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this