Molecular Detection of Harmful Algal Bloom Species
Summary
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) represent a growing global threat to marine ecosystems, aquaculture industries and human health. Traditional monitoring techniques based on microscopy and toxin assays are often time-consuming, require skilled taxonomists and lack the sensitivity needed to detect low-abundance species before bloom onset. In response, molecular detection methods have been developed to identify and quantify HAB species with greater speed, specificity and sensitivity. Central approaches include nucleic acid amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and isothermal amplification, frequently coupled with portable readouts like lateral flow assays. More recently, CRISPR-Cas systems have been harnessed for target-activated signal amplification, while lab-on-a-chip and microfluidic platforms enable integration of sample preparation, nucleic acid amplification and detection into compact devices suitable for field deployment. Complementary biosensor strategies employing electrochemical or optical transduction exploit nucleic acid hybridisation or immunorecognition to deliver rapid, multiplexed analysis. Together, these innovations allow early warning of bloom-forming species at near-cellular resolution, inform adaptive management of fisheries and shellfish harvesting, and facilitate high-throughput surveillance in diverse coastal settings worldwide.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Molecular Detection of Harmful Algal Bloom Species publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in molecular detection of harmful algal bloom species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA): An isothermal method for rapid DNA amplification at constant temperature.
Lateral Flow Dipstick (LFD): A paper-based strip for visual detection of amplified nucleic acids or proteins.
CRISPR-Cas12a: A RNA-guided endonuclease that, upon target recognition, cleaves single-stranded DNA reporters to produce a detectable signal.
Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS): A highly variable region of ribosomal DNA used as a molecular barcode for species identification.
Electrochemical Biosensor: A device converting biological interactions into electrical signals, often using nucleic acid probes and amperometric detection.
References
- Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Combined with Lateral Flow Dipstick Assay for the Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
- Development of a rapid detection method for Karenia mikimotoi by using CRISPR-Cas12a. Frontiers in Microbiology (2023).
- Advances in the Detection of Toxic Algae Using Electrochemical Biosensors. Biosensors (2020).
About these summaries
This Nature Research Intelligence Topic summary is created with the cited references and a large language model. We take care to ground generated text with facts, and have systems in place to gain human feedback on the overall quality of the process in line with our AI principles. We strive to create accurate and useful summaries for people unfamiliar with the research topic and that supports this goal. These pages are a beta release and will be updated as we learn how best to help people gain value from a research topic summary.
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.