Detection Of Saxitoxin Research Articles

Study of the binding way between saxitoxin and its aptamer and a fluorescent aptasensor for detection of saxitoxin

Aptamers could be used to construct simple and effective biosensor because the conformational switch of aptamer upon target binding is easy to be transferred to optical or electrochemical signals. Nevertheless, we found that the binding between saxitoxin (STX) and aptamer (M-30f) is not accompanied with conformational switch. Here, the circular dichroism spectra, fluorophore and quencher labeled aptamer, and crystal violet-based assays were used to identify the binding way between STX and aptamer. The results show that the conformation of aptamer is stabilized in PBS buffer (10 mM phosphate buffer, 2.7 mM KCl, 137 mM NaCl, pH 7.4) and this conformation may provide an exactly suitable cave for STX binding. Through the analysis of UV-melting curves and circular dichroism-melting curves, it is found that different concentrations of STX produce different unfolding extents of the aptamer under high temperature. Then, a simple temperature-assisted “turn-on” fluorescent aptasensor was developed to detect STX and the application in real sample detection demonstrates its feasibility. The proposed method provides not only an alternative for STX detection but also a strategy for simple aptasensor design using aptamers that do not switch conformation upon targets binding.

Responsive europium emission for paralytic shellfish saxitoxin detection in water

A water-soluble europium complex (EuL1), with the chromophore conjugated with both the Eu3+ ion and the aza-18-crown-6 ether moiety (receptor), were synthesized and its photophysical properties were studied. Saxitoxin (STX) selectively binds to EuL1 and induced a 4-fold enhancement in europium emission in the presence of a variety of metal ions. A mechanistic study indicated that the luminescence enhancement could be triggered by a two-interaction binding mechanism, in which the initial interaction between STX and the aza-18-crown-6 ether moiety of EuL1 induces the secondary interactions between STX and the Eu3+ ion, which resulted in displacement of the coordinated water molecule on Eu3+ ion.

Insights in the determination of saxitoxin with fluorogenic crown ethers in water

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

Development of a selective fluorescence nanosensor based on molecularly imprinted-quantum dot optosensing materials for saxitoxin detection in shellfish samples

Abstract A new type of molecularly imprinted silica layers appended to quantum dots (MIP-QDs) for saxitoxin (STX) was fabricated through the surface grafting technique. The MIP-QDs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and imprinting and selective fluorescence quenching properties in different solutions. Results demonstrated that the synthesized MIP-QDs exhibited excellent selective fluorescence quenching to STX because of the complementary imprinted cavities on the surface of MIP-QDs. Furthermore, a fluorescence nanosensor based on MIP-QDs was fabricated for the selective detection of STX under optimal experimental conditions. A good linear relationship in the range of 20.0-100.0 μg/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.9988 was obtained. Excellent recoveries ranging from 89.4% to 102.4% with the RSD below 6.3% were obtained for the shellfish samples at three spiked levels of STX. The detection limit of STX in shellfish samples was 0.3 μg/kg. The results indicated that the developed fluorescence nanosensor was highly selective and sensitive enough to detect STX in shellfish samples.

Receptor binding assay for the detection of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins: comparison to the mouse bioassay and applicability under regulatory use

ABSTRACTThe receptor-binding assay (RBA) method for the detection of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins was evaluated for its overall performance in comparison with the mouse bioassay (MBA). An initial study to evaluate the effects of filtering shellfish extracts prior to running the RBA indicated no significant difference between filtered and unfiltered extracts on the determined saxitoxin (STX) concentrations. Next, we tested the RBA assay on 295 naturally contaminated mussel tissue samples, ranging in concentrations from 320 µg STX equiv. kg−1 to 13,000 µg STX equiv. kg−1 by MBA. An overall trend was observed with the RBA giving higher results (256 µg STX equiv. kg−1 on average) than the MBA; however, at low concentrations (< 500 µg STX equiv. kg−1) the RBA results were marginally lower. A third study was conducted using spiked mussel tissue analysed by three independent laboratories, two of which performed the RBA and one the MBA. This multi-laboratory study again showed the RBA to give higher results than the MBA; however, it also revealed that STX determination was accurate by the RBA, unlike the MBA. To optimise the assay for efficient usage under regulatory practice, three suggestions have been made: the use of an initial screening plate to separate those samples that exceed the alert level; use of rapid PSP test kits in the field and in the laboratory for screening negative samples and for early detection of toxicity; and use of an alternate commercially available porcine membrane in place of the laboratory-prepared rat membrane homogenate. The large number of samples analysed and the diversity of the tests conducted in this study further support the RBA as an affordable rapid method for STX detection that is also free of the routine sacrifice of live animals.

Quantification of saxitoxin in human blood by ELISA

Saxitoxin (STX) is a potent marine toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) which can result in significant morbidity and mortality in humans. Low lethal doses, rapid onset of PSP symptoms, and brief STX half-life in vivo require sensitive and rapid diagnostic techniques to monitor human exposures. Our laboratory has validated an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantitative detection of STX from 0.020 to 0.80 ng/mL in human whole blood and from 0.06 to 2.0 ng/mL in dried human blood which is simple, sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective. To our knowledge, this is the first validated method for the quantitation of saxitoxin in whole blood. Microsampling devices were used in sample collection which allows for standardized collection of blood, stable storage, and cost-efficient shipping. Quality control precision and accuracy were evaluated over the course of validation and were within 20% of theoretical concentrations. No detectable background concentrations of STX were found among fifty whole blood and dried blood convenience samples. Additionally, ten spiked individual whole blood and dried blood samples were tested for accuracy and precision and were within 20% of theoretical concentrations. Gonyautoxins 2&3 (GTX2&3) cross-reacted with this ELISA by 21%, but all other structurally related PSP toxins tested cross-reacted less than two percent. While clinical diagnosis or treatment of PSP would be unaffected by GTX2&3 cross-reactivity by ELISA, to accurately quantify individual PSP toxins, these results should be coupled with high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry measurements.

First report of neurotoxic effect of the cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii on the motility of trematode metacercariae.

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) is a photosynthetic cyanobacterium that can produce cytotoxic (cylindrospermopsin) and neurotoxic cyanotoxins (saxitoxins). In Brazil the strains of C. raciborskii are reported to produce only saxitoxins (STX) and their effect on fish parasites has not been tested to date. The fish Poecilia vivipara Bloch and Schneider is a common host for the trematode Pygidiopsis macrostomum Travassos off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, and this fish-parasite interaction is a model for behavioural and ecotoxicological studies. The aim of this work was to evaluate the motility of metacercariae of P. macrostomum from P. vivipara exposed to 40 mg l-1 and 400 mg l-1 of crude lyophilized extract of the cyanobacterium C. raciborskii (CYRF-01) for 48 h. The fish were separated into groups of ten individuals and, after exposure, five fish from each group were dissected for counting and checking the motility of metacercariae. The other five fish were dissected after 48 h in clean water. The detection and quantification of STX in the solutions of cyanobacteria, and the gills and guts of fish, were performed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The crude extract of C. raciborskii caused temporary paralysis in metacercariae of P. macrostomum after exposure of fish to both concentrations, and the motility recovered after the fish were kept for 48 h in clean water. STX was detected in the guts and gills of all fish analysed, suggesting that this toxin is involved in the paralysis of metacercariae. This is the first report on the action of neurotoxins in metacercariae of fish.

A biolayer interferometry-based competitive biosensor for rapid and sensitive detection of saxitoxin

Saxitoxin is a marine neurotoxin, which is commonly found as a paralytic shellfish toxin. It is characterized by strong toxicity, rapid effects and wide distribution with significant public health impacts. The ethical issues and technical defects associated with the currently applied surveillance system for paralytic shellfish toxins are encouraging further studies to develop suitable alternatives. Here, we report a label-free and real-time optical biolayer interferometry competitive biosensor for the detection of saxitoxin using aptamers as specific receptors. The biosensor exhibited a broad detection range from 10 to 2000ng/mL of saxitoxin (linear range from 100 to 800ng/mL), with a low detection limit of 0.5ng/mL. Furthermore, the biosensor showed a high degree of selectivity for saxitoxin, and good reproducibility and stability with real samples. We believe that this novel biosensor offers a promising alternative to traditional analytical methods for the sensitive and rapid (7min) detection of saxitoxin.

Development of an Electrochemical Biosensor for the Rapid Detection of Saxitoxin Based on Air Stable Lipid Films with Incorporated Anti‐STX Using Graphene Electrodes

AbstractA miniaturized potentiometric saxitoxin sensor on graphene nanosheets with incorporated lipid films and Anti‐STX, the natural saxitoxin receptor, immobilized on the stabilized lipid films is described in the present paper. An adequate selectivity for detection over a wide range of toxin concentrations, fast response time of ca. 5–20 min, and detection limit of 1 nM have been achieved. The proposed sensor is easy to construct and exhibits good reproducibility, reusability, selectivity, long shelf life and high sensitivity of ca. 60 mV/decade of toxin concentration. The method was implemented and evaluated in lake water and shellfish samples. This novel ultrathin film technology is currently adapted to the rapid detection of other toxins that could be used in bioterrorism.

Amperometric aptasensor for saxitoxin using a gold electrode modified with carbon nanotubes on a self-assembled monolayer, and methylene blue as an electrochemical indicator probe

A label-free electrochemical aptasensor was developed for selective detection of saxitoxin (STX). It is taking advantage of target-induced conformational change of an STX-specific aptamer when it binds to the toxin. A monolayer of octadecanethiol was deposited on a gold electrode, and then coated with a film of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to which the aptamer was covalently conjugated. Methylene blue (MB) was electrostatically anchored on carboxylated MWCNTs and used as the electrochemical indicator that produced a strong differential pulse voltammetric signal in the absence of target (STX). If, however, STX binds to its aptamer, this triggers a conformational change of the aptamer and results in the establishment of a barrier for heterogeneous electron transfer. The oxidation peak current of MB, acquired at −0.27 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), linearly decreases with increasing concentrations of STX in the 0.9 and 30 nM concentration range. The detection limit is 0.38 nM. Marine toxins that maybe present along with STX do not interfere even if they have a similar chemical structure. The assay was applied to the determination of STX in mussels samples and was found to be acceptably accurate. Hence, the method introduced here provides a rapid and sensitive tool for monitoring red tide pollution.

An improved functional assay for rapid detection of marine toxins, saxitoxin and brevetoxin using a portable cardiomyocyte-based potential biosensor.

Saxitoxin (STX) and brevetoxin (PbTX-2), which are produced by marine dinoflagellates, are highly-toxic marine toxins targeting separate sites of the α subunit of voltage-dependent sodium channels (VDSCs). In this work, a portable cardiomyocyte-based potential biosensor is designed for rapid detection of STX and PbTX-2. This potential biosensor is constructed by cardiomyocyte and microelectrode array (MEA) with a label-free and real-time wireless 8-channel recording system which can dynamically monitor the multisite electrical activity of cardiomyocyte network. The recording signal parameters, spike amplitude, firing rate and 50% of spike potential duration (SPD50) extracted from extracelluar field potential (EFP) signals of the potential biosensor is analyzed to quantitatively evaluate toxicological risk of STX and PbTX-2. Firing rate of biosensor signals presents high sensitivity to STX with the detection limit of 0.35 ng/ml within 5 min. SPD50 shows high sensitivity to PbTX-2 with the detection limit of 1.55 ng/ml within 5 min. Based on the multi-parameter analysis, cardiomyocyte-based potential biosensor will be a promising tool for rapid detection of these two toxins.

Flow cytometric-membrane potential detection of sodium channel active marine toxins: application to ciguatoxins in fish muscle and feasibility of automating saxitoxin detection.

Ciguatoxins are potent neurotoxins with a significant public health impact. Cytotoxicity assays have allowed the most sensitive means of detection of ciguatoxin-like activity without reliance on mouse bioassays and have been invaluable in studying outbreaks. An improvement of these cell-based assays is presented here in which rapid flow cytometric detection of ciguatoxins and saxitoxins is demonstrated using fluorescent voltage sensitive dyes. A depolarization response can be detected directly due to ciguatoxin alone; however, an approximate 1000-fold increase in sensitivity is observed in the presence of veratridine. These results demonstrate that flow cytometric assessment of ciguatoxins is possible at levels approaching the trace detection limits of our earlier cytotoxicity assays, however, with a significant reduction in analysis time. Preliminary results are also presented for detection of brevetoxins and for automation and throughput improvements to a previously described method for detecting saxitoxins in shellfish extracts.

Effects of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii strains (Woloszynska, 1912) Senayya & Subba Raju on the mobility of Daphnia laevis (Cladocera, Daphniidae).

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is a cyanobacterium distributed worldwide that is known to produce cyanotoxins. Some of the Brazilian strains can produce saxitoxins (STXs), which are classified as neurotoxins and can paralyze cladocerans .Daphnia laevis is a cladoceran with a wide distribution in the Americas and has been studied as a possible test-organism in toxicity bioassays. The present work tested the acute effect on D laevis mobility when fed a saxitoxin-producing (STX and neoSTX) C. raciborskii strain, CYRF-01, and compared the results with the effects of a non-toxic strain (NPCS-1). Neonates (6-24 hours after birth) were exposed to concentrations of C. raciborskii varying from 102 to 106 cells·mL-1 of each strain for up to three hours. The cladocerans were then transferred to a medium without toxic filaments for 24 hours. Only the organisms exposed to the STX-producing strain showed signs of the immobilization of swimming movements, confirming the effects of the toxins. There was a linear correlation between the time required to induce stopping the swimming movement, with a shorter time to needed to induce immobilization at a higher the concentration; this correlation was inverse to the time required to recover the swimming movements (longer at higher concentrations, p < 0.1). D. laevis is a tropical and subtropical species with great potential for use in toxicity tests for the detection of STXs, despite being native to and found in a great array of freshwater bodies. This is the first assay testing STX-producing and non-producing C. raciborskii strains on D. laevis, species that are both found in Brazilian ecosystems.

삭시톡신 분석을 위한 항체의 제조 및 항-삭시톡신 항혈청의 민감도 분석

해양미세조류 유래 독성물질에 대한 이해와 활용에 있어서 가장 중요하지만 간과되고 있는 부분은 독성물질을 검출할 수 있는 빠르고, 쉽고 경제적인 검출기술을 개발하는 것이다. 이 논문에서 우리는 삭시톡신(STX)에 대한 항체를 생산하였다. 헤모시아닌(mariculture keyhole limpet hemocyanin, mcKLH)과 오브알부민(ovalbumin, OVA)을 운반단백질로 사용하였다. 면역반응을 위해서 mcKLH-STX 결합체를 BALB/c 쥐에 복강주사하였다. 채혈 후 항-STX 항혈청을 분리하였다. 항혈청의 역가분석을 위하여 유리 STX와 OVA-STX로 코팅된 microtiter plate를 이용하여 간접 ELISA 실시하였다. 발색반응을 위한 이차항체로는 goat anti-mouse IgG-phosphatase conjugate가 사용되었다. 항-STX 항혈청은 OVA-STX와 유리 STX에 특이적으로 반응하였다. 항-STX 항혈청의 민감도는 매우 높았으며, STX를 위한 검출한계는 약 64.9 ng/kg이었다. 【The most essential but missing components to understand and use toxic substances from marine microalgae are developing the fast, easy and economical determining technology for detecting it. In this paper we produced the antibodies against saxitoxin (STX). Mariculture keyhole limpet hemocyanin (mcKLH) and ovalbumin (OVA) were used as carrier proteins. mcKLH-STX conjugates were injected into the peritonial cavity of BALB/c mouse for immunization. After bleeding from mouse, anti-STX antiserum was isolated. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) was performed to determine antiserum titer using the microtiter plate coated with free STX and OVA-STX. A goat anti-mouse IgG-phosphatase conjugate was used as secondary antibody to enable chromogenic reaction. Reactions of anti-STX antiserum were very specific on the OVA-STX and free STX. Sensitivity of anti-STX antiserum on STX was very high and STX detection limit was to be 64.9 ng/kg for indirect ELISA.】

First report of the use of a saxitoxin–protein conjugate to develop a DNA aptamer to a small molecule toxin

Saxitoxin (STX) is a low molecular weight neurotoxin mainly produced by certain marine dinoflagellates that, along with its family of similarly related paralytic shellfish toxins, may cause the potentially fatal intoxication known as paralytic shellfish poisoning. Illness and fatality rates are low due to the effective monitoring programs that determine when toxins exceed the established regulatory action level and effectuate shellfish harvesting closures accordingly. Such monitoring programs rely on the ability to rapidly screen large volumes of samples. Many of the screening assays currently available employ antibodies or live animals. This research focused on developing an analytical recognition element that would eliminate the challenges associated with the limited availability of antibodies and the use of animals. Here we report the discovery of a DNA aptamer that targets STX. Concentration-dependent and selective binding of the aptamer to STX was determined using a surface plasmon resonance sensor. Not only does this work represent the first reported aptamer to STX, but also the first aptamer to any marine biotoxin. A novel strategy of using a toxin–protein conjugate for DNA aptamer selection was successfully implemented to overcome the challenges associated with aptamer selection to small molecules. Taking advantage of such an approach could lead to increased diversity and accessibility of aptamers to low molecular weight toxins, which could then be incorporated as analytical recognition elements in diagnostic assays for foodborne toxin detection. The selected STX aptamer sequence is provided here, making it available to any investigator for use in assay development for the detection of STX.

Detection of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins by a Solid-Phase Inhibition Immunoassay Using a Microsphere-Flow Cytometry System

Paralytic shellfish poisoning is a toxic syndrome described in humans following the ingestion of seafood contaminated with saxitoxin and/or its derivatives. The presence of these toxins in shellfish is considered an important health threat and their levels in seafood destined to human consumption are regulated in many countries, as well as the levels of other chemically unrelated toxins. We studied the feasibility of immunodetection of saxitoxin and its analogs using a solid-phase microsphere assay coupled to flow cytometry detection in a Luminex 200 system. The technique consists of a competition assay where the toxins in solution compete with bead-bound saxitoxin for binding to an antigonyautoxin 2/3 monoclonal antibody (GT-13A). The assay allowed the detection of saxitoxin both in buffer and mussel extracts in the range of 2.2-19.7 ng/mL (IC(20)-IC(80)). Moreover, the assay cross-reactivity with other toxins of the group is similar to previously published immunoassays, with adequate detection of most analogs except N-1 hydroxy analogs. The recovery rate of the assay for saxitoxin was close to 100%. This microsphere-based immunoassay is suitable to be used as a screening method, detecting saxitoxin from 260 to 2360 μg/kg. This microsphere/flow cytometry system provided similar sensitivities to previously published immunoassays and provides a solid background for the development of easy, flexible multiplexing of toxin detection in one sample.

Verification and quantification of saxitoxin from algal samples using fast and validated hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC–MS/MS) method was validated with algal samples for verification and quantification of saxitoxin (STX), a potent neurotoxin which is listed in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in Schedule 1A. Isocratic elution, conventional bore HILIC column and high flow rate together with accurate post-column splitter provided detection of STX in 6.5min with total analysis time of 9min per sample. STX analogue, gonyautoxin 1 (GTX 1) was used as an internal standard. Sample preparation of freeze-dried algae included liquid extraction and centrifugal filtering with mean recovery of 99.9% at concentration level of 10ng/ml (n=3). Retention times for STX and GTX 1 were 6.47±0.03min and 4.44±0.01min (n=45), respectively. Four diagnostic product ions were used for reliable verification of saxitoxin. Method was found to be precise and linear (R2=0.9714 and R2=0.9768) in concentration ranges of 5–50ng/ml and 25–200ng/ml, respectively. For saxitoxin, calculated LOD was 3ng/ml and LLOQ 11ng/ml. Validation was conducted using spiked algal matrix since this method is not only needed for verification analysis for the CWC but also for safety analysis of other environmental samples for presence of STX. Identification criteria for verification of STX with HILIC–MS/MS method are discussed.

An improved immunoassay for detection of saxitoxin by surface plasmon resonance biosensors

Saxitoxin and its analogs, the causative agents of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), are a worldwide threat to seafood safety. Effective monitoring of potentially contaminated fishing areas as well as screening of seafood samples is necessary to adequately protect the public. While many analytical methods exist for detecting paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), each technique has challenges associated with routine use. One recently developed method [1] that overcomes ethical or performance-related issues of other techniques is the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) bioassay. Notwithstanding the advantages of this method, much research remains in optimizing the sensor substrate and assay conditions to create a robust technique for rapid and sensitive measurement of PSTs. This manuscript describes a more rigorous and stable SPR inhibition immunoassay through optimization of the surface chemistry as well as determination of optimum mixture ratios and mixing times. The final system provides rapid substrate formation (18 h saxitoxin conjugation with low reagent consumption), contains a reference channel for each assay, and is capable of triplicate measurements in a single run with detection limits well below the regulatory action level.

Detection of saxitoxin in counterterrorism using a commercial lateral flow immunoassay kit

The neurotoxin saxitoxin (STX) is registered in the list of the Chemical Weapons Convention. In preparation against potential terrorism by STX use, we investigated the performance of a commercially available rapid test kit for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), which is essentially a lateral flow immunoassay kit. Pink lines in the test and control zones appeared after 35 min and were observed by the naked eye and were recorded by a digital scanner. The competitive displacement of gold-labeled antitoxin analog antibody by STX in the test zone was quantitatively shown using the ratio of the intensity of the test zone line to that of control zone line. As the STX concentration increased, the intensity of the pink line in the test zone on the strip decreased. The limit of detection was defined as the STX concentration that gave a ratio half that of the STX blank test, and was calculated to be about 12 ng/ml. Various matrix components, such as wheat flour and the decontamination chemical hypochlorite, were examined for their effects on false positive and false negative results in the determination of STX by the PSP Rapid Test system.

Application of Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) for field detection of the hydrophilic phycotoxins domoic acid and saxitoxin in coastal California

Recent publications have identified the analysis of phycotoxins in sentinel shellfish as a problematic tool for environmental monitoring purposes. Domoic acid (DA), a neurotoxin produced by some species of the diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia, can remain undetected in sentinel shellfish stocks during toxic blooms and subsequent marine bird and mammal mass mortality events. Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) has previously been described for monitoring of lipophilic toxins, whereas resin‐based sampling methods are routinely employed for many other environmental contaminants. Here, we evaluate the applicability of SPATT for monitoring the hydrophilic phycotoxin DA and demonstrate that the same field sampling methods can be used for the detection of saxitoxins. We present laboratory‐based adsorption profiles characterizing the performance of SPATT with four resin types: (1) HP20, (2) SP700, (3) SP207, and (4) SP207SS. We present results from 17 mo of approximately weekly SPATT deployments in Monterey Bay, California (USA); this period included two significant toxigenic Pseudo‐nitzschia bloom events as well as low‐level saxitoxin events. SPATT signaled the presence of DA 3 and 7 weeks before the recognition of bloom conditions by traditional monitoring techniques (7 and 8 weeks before shellfish toxicity). Under ambient (non‐bloom) conditions, all resins detected DA when its presence was not apparent from traditional monitoring, highlighting the ubiquity of low level or transient toxin events in the environment. This study is the first to evaluate SPATT deployments in U.S. waters, and the first to demonstrate the applicability of SPATT toward detection of hydrophilic phycotoxins in the field.