Research Measure: Discovery
Funding Type: SFI US-Irl R&D Partnership
Funding Year: 2009
Project Duration: 36 Months
Project Type: Project-Based
Total Grant-Aid: €257,442
Lead Partner: Dublin City University
Project Partner(s):
- Queen's University Belfast
- University of Maine
- NOAA
Project Summary:
This project aims to generate a rapid and inexpensive algal detection system for use in coastal monitoring programs, by developing in situ sensors for the marine environment. The collaboration presents a unique opportunity to produce and apply sensor–based assays for detecting biotoxins and the corresponding toxigenic organisms. A major focus of the work is the detection of both the heptapeptide toxins, microcystins, which are produced primarily by freshwater cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), and paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins, produced by dinoflagellates. The detection of these marine biotoxins is of great significance since they exhibit major toxicity leading to huge losses in shellfish production and associated human health impacts. The research will produce highly sensitive and novel recombinant antibody fragments and incorporate them into a microfluidic sensing platform.