Algal Toxin Detection

TCS Biosciences is pleased to announce we are now a distributor for Phytoxigene.

Genetics of Biotoxin Production and Prediction

Cyanobacterial toxins are produced by many species and strains of cyanobacteria spanning multiple genera, however as toxicity is not uniform among strains, conventional bacteriological classification methods are unable to accurately predict toxicity. Analytical methods for the detection of the toxins often take days to perform and are also not predictive. The current challenges for algal bloom prediction and management require the expertise to identify and count specific cyanobacteria species along with the time to run sophisticated analytical methods to confirm the presence of toxins. With recent advances in the understanding of the biosynthetic pathways of toxin production it is now possible to detect the presence of specific genes that are critical in the production of toxins in cyanobacteria.

Phytoxigene CyanoDTec is a qPCR assay that detects and quantifies the presence of cyanobacteria and their toxin producing genes in environmental samples. CyanoDTec identifies and quantifies the presence of total cyanobacteria along with 5 genes responsible for 6 different toxins and their congeners;

Standardised

CyanoDTec is an internationally standardised cyanobacteria method and uses certified genetic reference material. Phytoxigene CyanoNAS.

Validated

CyanoDTec. It offers a highly sensitive and specific solution for HAB monitoring and risk assessment. It is certified for use by the Ohio EPA in their Public Water Source Program and has been utilized and referenced in over 30 peer reviewed publications.

Online Catalogue

• Algal Toxin Detection