Quantitative Mass Spectrometric Analysis and Post-Extraction Stability Assessment of the Euglenoid Toxin Euglenophycin

Euglenophycin is a recently discovered toxin produced by at least one species of euglenoid algae. The toxin has been responsible for several fish mortality events. To facilitate the identification and monitoring of euglenophycin in freshwater ponds, we have developed a specific mass spectrometric me...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Paul V. Zimba, Richard E. Triemer, Peter D. Moeller, Alexandra Rafalski, Kevin Beauchesne, Danielle B. Gutierrez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2013-09-01
Series:Toxins
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/5/9/1587
Description
Summary:Euglenophycin is a recently discovered toxin produced by at least one species of euglenoid algae. The toxin has been responsible for several fish mortality events. To facilitate the identification and monitoring of euglenophycin in freshwater ponds, we have developed a specific mass spectrometric method for the identification and quantitation of euglenophycin. The post-extraction stability of the toxin was assessed under various conditions. Euglenophycin was most stable at room temperature. At 8 °C there was a small, but statistically significant, loss in toxin after one day. These methods and knowledge of the toxin’s stability will facilitate identification of the toxin as a causative agent in fish kills and determination of the toxin’s distribution in the organs of exposed fish.
ISSN:2072-6651