An International Proficiency Test to Detect, Identify and Quantify Ricin in Complex Matrices
While natural intoxications with seeds of Ricinus communis (R. communis) have long been known, the toxic protein ricin contained in the seeds is of major concern since it attracts attention of those intending criminal, terroristic and military misuse. In order to harmonize detection capabilities in...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2015-11-01
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| Series: | Toxins |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/7/12/4859 |
| _version_ | 1828354505538797568 |
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| author | Sylvia Worbs Martin Skiba Jennifer Bender Reinhard Zeleny Heinz Schimmel Werner Luginbühl Brigitte G. Dorner |
| author_facet | Sylvia Worbs Martin Skiba Jennifer Bender Reinhard Zeleny Heinz Schimmel Werner Luginbühl Brigitte G. Dorner |
| author_sort | Sylvia Worbs |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | While natural intoxications with seeds of Ricinus communis (R. communis) have long been known, the toxic protein ricin contained in the seeds is of major concern since it attracts attention of those intending criminal, terroristic and military misuse. In order to harmonize detection capabilities in expert laboratories, an international proficiency test was organized that aimed at identifying good analytical practices (qualitative measurements) and determining a consensus concentration on a highly pure ricin reference material (quantitative measurements). Sample materials included highly pure ricin as well as the related R. communis agglutinin (RCA120) spiked into buffer, milk and meat extract; additionally, an organic fertilizer naturally contaminated with R. communis shred was investigated in the proficiency test. The qualitative results showed that either a suitable combination of immunological, mass spectrometry (MS)-based and functional approaches or sophisticated MS-based approaches alone successfully allowed the detection and identification of ricin in all samples. In terms of quantification, it was possible to determine a consensus concentration of the highly pure ricin reference material. The results provide a basis for further steps in quality assurance and improve biopreparedness in expert laboratories worldwide. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-14T02:25:49Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-b63a810c793a418286525da5e320660e |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2072-6651 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-14T02:25:49Z |
| publishDate | 2015-11-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Toxins |
| spelling | doaj.art-b63a810c793a418286525da5e320660e2022-12-22T02:17:54ZengMDPI AGToxins2072-66512015-11-017124987501010.3390/toxins7124859toxins7124859An International Proficiency Test to Detect, Identify and Quantify Ricin in Complex MatricesSylvia Worbs0Martin Skiba1Jennifer Bender2Reinhard Zeleny3Heinz Schimmel4Werner Luginbühl5Brigitte G. Dorner6Biological Toxins, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, GermanyBiological Toxins, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, GermanyBiological Toxins, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, GermanyJoint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements, European Commission, Retieseweg 111, 2440 Geel, BelgiumJoint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements, European Commission, Retieseweg 111, 2440 Geel, BelgiumChemStat, Aarstrasse 98, 3005 Bern, SwitzerlandBiological Toxins, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, GermanyWhile natural intoxications with seeds of Ricinus communis (R. communis) have long been known, the toxic protein ricin contained in the seeds is of major concern since it attracts attention of those intending criminal, terroristic and military misuse. In order to harmonize detection capabilities in expert laboratories, an international proficiency test was organized that aimed at identifying good analytical practices (qualitative measurements) and determining a consensus concentration on a highly pure ricin reference material (quantitative measurements). Sample materials included highly pure ricin as well as the related R. communis agglutinin (RCA120) spiked into buffer, milk and meat extract; additionally, an organic fertilizer naturally contaminated with R. communis shred was investigated in the proficiency test. The qualitative results showed that either a suitable combination of immunological, mass spectrometry (MS)-based and functional approaches or sophisticated MS-based approaches alone successfully allowed the detection and identification of ricin in all samples. In terms of quantification, it was possible to determine a consensus concentration of the highly pure ricin reference material. The results provide a basis for further steps in quality assurance and improve biopreparedness in expert laboratories worldwide.http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/7/12/4859proficiency testricinreference materialstandardized detection |
| spellingShingle | Sylvia Worbs Martin Skiba Jennifer Bender Reinhard Zeleny Heinz Schimmel Werner Luginbühl Brigitte G. Dorner An International Proficiency Test to Detect, Identify and Quantify Ricin in Complex Matrices Toxins proficiency test ricin reference material standardized detection |
| title | An International Proficiency Test to Detect, Identify and Quantify Ricin in Complex Matrices |
| title_full | An International Proficiency Test to Detect, Identify and Quantify Ricin in Complex Matrices |
| title_fullStr | An International Proficiency Test to Detect, Identify and Quantify Ricin in Complex Matrices |
| title_full_unstemmed | An International Proficiency Test to Detect, Identify and Quantify Ricin in Complex Matrices |
| title_short | An International Proficiency Test to Detect, Identify and Quantify Ricin in Complex Matrices |
| title_sort | international proficiency test to detect identify and quantify ricin in complex matrices |
| topic | proficiency test ricin reference material standardized detection |
| url | http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/7/12/4859 |
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