Saxophone

Alexandrium catenella is a harmful species of dinoflagellate commonly found off the New England coast.  Species in the Alexandrium genus have the potential to produce saxitoxin.  This toxin bioaccumulates in shellfish, causing Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning when eaten. Symptoms can occur soon after shellfish are consumed and include tingling, numbness, nausea, and in severe cases, dysphagia and dysarthria. We plan to make a rapid test to detect the presence of Alexandrium catenella using a key gene in the production of saxitoxin, sxtA4. Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP), will be used to indicate the presence or absence of this gene and therefore Alexandrium catenella. We hope to help the shellfish industry and beachgoers with this rapid, onsite test.