Marine Toxin Biochemistry and Detection Techniques
Summary
Marine biotoxins are structurally diverse secondary metabolites produced by microalgae, cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates during harmful algal blooms. These compounds, which include saxitoxins, domoic acid, okadaic acid and emerging cyclic imines, interact with ion channels, receptors and enzymes in marine organisms and humans, causing neurological, gastrointestinal and cardiotoxic effects. Biochemical studies have elucidated biosynthetic pathways involving polyketide synthases and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, and metabolic transformations such as esterification that alter toxicity and persistence. Detection techniques have evolved from mouse bioassays to instrumental methods prioritising sensitivity, specificity and throughput. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry has emerged as the gold standard for multi-analyte quantification, while immunoassays, enzyme-linked biosensors and portable devices offer rapid screening. Ongoing innovations in high-resolution mass spectrometry, microfluidics and molecular probes aim to enhance early warning systems, enable in-field monitoring and support regulatory decision-making, addressing the global challenge of seafood safety and environmental change.
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Marine Toxin Biochemistry and Detection Techniques publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in marine toxin biochemistry and detection techniques across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Harmful algal blooms (HABs): Explosive growth of toxin-producing microalgae in aquatic systems, often driven by nutrient enrichment.
Bioaccumulation: Gradual concentration of toxins in organism tissues through uptake and consumption within the food web.
Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS): Analytical technique combining chromatographic separation with sequential mass analysis for sensitive, selective toxin quantification.
Lipophilic toxins: Hydrophobic marine toxins soluble in organic solvents that tend to accumulate in fatty tissues of aquatic organisms.
Cyclic imines: Macrocyclic compounds characterised by an imine functional group, notable for acute neurotoxicity and emerging detection challenges.
References
- Five Years Monitoring the Emergence of Unregulated Toxins in Shellfish in France (EMERGTOX 2018–2022). Marine Drugs (2023).
- Phycotoxins in Marine Shellfish: Origin, Occurrence and Effects on Humans. Marine Drugs (2018).
- Current Trends and New Challenges in Marine Phycotoxins. Marine Drugs (2022).
- Potential Threats Posed by New or Emerging Marine Biotoxins in UK Waters and Examination of Detection Methodologies Used for Their Control: Cyclic Imines. Marine Drugs (2015).
- LC–MS/MS Analysis of the Emerging Toxin Pinnatoxin-G and High Levels of Esterified OA Group Toxins in Galician Commercial Mussels. Toxins (2019).
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