University of Hawai'i

Oceanit Test Systems, Inc.

Asian Pacific Research Foundation

Yoshitsugi Hokama

Patrick K Sullivan

Joanne S M Ebesu

Robert E Bourke

Warren E Takenaka

An immunological test kit suitable for the rapid detection of ciguatoxin and related low molecular weight lipid polyether marine toxins in fish tissues in the field, home or laboratory. The test procedure utilizes a synthetic membrane laminated onto one end of a solid plastic stick, which is immersed into alcohol with a piece of fish tissue. The membrane is then removed and dried thoroughly, then placed in the suspension of mixed colored beads coated with anti-ciguatoxin. The membrane is then rinsed in water and the intensity of the color compared with a standard range of colors formed (0-3&plus;). The color intensity is proportional to the concentration of toxin in the piece of tissue. The kit includes the synthetic membrane on a plastic stick, a suspension of mixed colored beads coated with anti-ciguatoxin antibody, testing instruments, and a supply of solvent.

Membrane immunobead assay for the detection of ciguatoxin and related polyether marine toxins

An antibody test suitable for the rapid detection of ciguatoxin and other related low molecular weight polyether marine lipid toxins in fish tissue in the field or laboratory is disclosed. The test utilizes the reaction between antibody coated, mixed latex beads and any lipids in an extract of a sample of fish tissue eluted in a solvent. The presence of toxins is determined within about thirty minutes by ascending chromatography, which separates the mixed beads. The toxin concentration is determined by reference to standard data. A kit suitable for performing the testing procedure in the field is also disclosed. The kit includes a support having a nylon membrane covering, and antibody coated, mixed beads applied on the membrane, a testing container, a supply of solvent and a biopsy tool.

Immuno-latex chromatographic procedure for detection of ciguatoxin, and

A rapid stick test for the detection of ciguatoxin and other polyether toxins from fish tissue is disclosed. This is a relatively simple and rapid field test utilizing enzyme immunoassay technology for the detection of lipid toxin which can be assessed in ten minutes or less in the field. The invention is both a procedure and a kit for conducting the test. The kit includes a bamboo sampling stick, buffer reagent, anti-ciguatoxin horseradish peroxidase conjugate, substrate reagent, fixation reagent, blotter, filter paper, and medicine dropper.

Growing community of inventors

Honolulu, HI, United States of America

Yoshitsugi Hokama