Application of a channel biosensor for toxicity measurements in cultured Alexandrium tamarense.

The purpose of this study is to examine the toxicity of Alexandrium tamarense strains using a channel biosensor. With this biosensor, we were able to measure very small quantities of PSP toxin contained within an individual plankton cell. However, measurement of at least 100 cells is more desirable for increasing the sensitivity of the assay. Therefore, in the near future, the proposed biosensor system may be used for monitoring the STX (saxitoxin) produced by a few naturally toxic phytoplankton, and also measuring small amounts of toxin in shellfish.