Biosensor for the Detection of Cyanobacterial Toxin Microcystin-LR

Abstract

Cyanobacteria are found everywhere in the environment, and their growth accelerates significantly with rising amounts of sunlight and temperatures. The proliferation of cyanobacteria begins when the average temperatures rise above 15°C. The proliferation can lead to high amounts of secondary metabolites, such as cyanotoxins, in surrounding waters. The most common cyanotoxin is microcystin-LR (MC-LR). MC-LR can cause rashes, abdominal cramps, and liver damage in humans and animals, so continuous monitoring of its content in water is of great importance. MC-LR is commonly detected with high-performance liquid chromatography, but phosphatase inhibition-based bioassays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent tests are also available. However, these are all lab-based methods and require sample transport and preparation for analytical procedures, not allowing for obtaining quick results. Therefore, there is a need for a rapid and field-based analysis method, and one promising option is to use biosensors. The present study aimed to design and construct an aptamer/antibody-based biosensor to detect MC-LR and test its applicability to detect MC-LR in cyanobacteria culture (Microcystis aeruginosa).