Abstract
In this contribution, we present new insights and a critical discussion in the optical detection of saxitoxin using fluorophores with crown ethers. Fluorescence enhancement is caused by the reduction of photoinduced electron transfer upon complexation with the analyte. Our attempts to improve this detection method neither did yield a functioning sensor nor were the attempts to reproduce published data in this area successful. Due to the fact that only low concentrations of saxitoxin are available, multiple surrogates were investigated at high concentrations. However, no turn on response was observed. Moreover, a fluorescent decomposition product of saxitoxin that forms under UV light was discovered which was in our opinion misinterpreted as a sensor response by previous publications.Graphical abstract
Highlights
Saxitoxin (1) is one of the most toxic non-protein compounds known and is responsible for the so-called paralytic shellfish poisoning [1]
In this contribution, we present new insights and a critical discussion in the optical detection of saxitoxin using fluorophores with crown ethers
A fluorescent decomposition product of saxitoxin that forms under UV light was discovered which was in our opinion misinterpreted as a sensor response by previous publications
Summary
Saxitoxin (1) is one of the most toxic non-protein compounds known and is responsible for the so-called paralytic shellfish poisoning [1] It is naturally produced by a variety of algal species, such as cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates, which are consumed in large amounts by shellfish during red tide algal blooms [2]. Action potentials are terminated and signal transmission between neutrons is inhibited, leading to paralysis [4] Monitoring of this toxin by a mouse bioassay is used in many countries [5]. The initial challenge in toxin detection is the lack of any UV absorption by saxitoxin This can be overcome by oxidation of the toxin to a fluorescent derivate prior to or after separation on a HPLC column. The fluorescence can be observed at an excitation maximum of 330 nm and an emission maximum of 390 nm
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