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This research project aims to investigate the transfer of a model hydrophilic Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) toxin (dc-STX) from shellfish into extracts used for the Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) assay.
<p>In this project a blank mussel homogenate will be spiked to contain 40µg/100g of dc-Saxitoxin (dc-STX). This spiked sample will then be extracted using different modifications of the UK standard operating procedure for the extraction of lipophilic toxins (UK NRL DSP1).
<p>In the unmodified UK SOP an ether extract of the shellfish sample is washed with two x 5ml of water to remove hydrophilic compounds, such as PSP toxins, which includes dc-STX.
<p>In this project ether extracts will be washed with 0, 5, 20, 50 or 100ml of water. Additionally, this project will compare the effect of using either 'dry' ether or ether that has been pre-saturated with water, on the transfer of dc-STX into the final extract.
<p>The level of dc-STX remaining in the final extract will be measured using a chemical detection method enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Since June 2001, atypical responses have been observed during the (DSP) assay used within the UK statutory biotoxin monitoring programme.
<p>These atypical responses have occurred primarily with cockle samples from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but also with a small number of mussel samples from England and Wales.
<p>It has been proposed that the atypical response may be caused by the unintentional transfer of hydrophilic PSP toxins into the shellfish extracts used for the DSP assay. To investigate this possibility, this research project will measure the degree to which a model PSP toxin (dc-STX) is transferred from shellfish into the extract used for DSP assays.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.