Acronym ALARMTOX
Category
Aquaculture
Title Assays and biosensors for the detection of biotoxins from aquatic media Programme Interreg IV
Instrument (FP6)
Contact Type (FP7)
Strand (Interreg)
Strand B
Theme (FP7)
Activity Area (FP6)
Regional Area (Interreg)
Action (COST)
South West Europe (SUDOE)
Specific Programme (FP7)
NA
Funding source European
Coordinator institution
IRTA - Institute of Food and Agricultural Research and Technology (Spain)
Institutions involved
IMAGES - Institute of Modelling and Analysis in Geo-Environment and Health (France) ,
RCITT - Regional Centre of Innovation and Technology Transfer (France) ,
CSIC-IDAEA - Spanish National Research Council; Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (Spain) ,
Start year 2009 End year 2012 Funding (€) € 737,716 Website http://4.interreg-sudoe.eu/FRA/f/138/6/ALARMTOX/Les-projets-approuves/Tests-et-biocapteurs-pour-la-detection-de-biotoxines-des-milieux-aquatiques Summary Marine aquaculture is an important production sector for the SUDOE regions. Bivalve production is, however, constantly threatened by the contamination of water. In continental waters, the presence of toxin-producing microalgae is also a problem for the biodiversity and environment, as well as cattle and agri-farm activities. The aim of the project is to investigate, develop and validate biosensors for the detection of biotoxins from aquatic media, in order to ensure the quality of inland waters and shellfish producing areas. The project also aims at disseminating the results to organizations and agencies involved in the management of water resources. To achieve this, in a first phase, enzymes (protein phosphatases) sensitive to water biotoxins will be produced, thereby constituting the first step in the development of assays and biosensors. Afterwards, assays and biosensors will be designed and developed using the protein phosphatases previously produced. Finally, water, bivalves and microalgae samples will be collected and analysed with the assays and biosensors. Samples will be also analysed with spectrometric techniques (LC-MS/MS) in order to validate the colorimetric assays and electrochemical biosensors. This project will increase the existing knowledge in the SUDOE area on the presence of aquatic toxins (okadaic acid and derivatives, and microcystins) and will help to improve the protocols of action in situations of toxic microalgae blooms. Results will be disseminated to the scientific community, the shellfish producers and the administration. A network with expertise on marine toxins and biosensors, including bionanotechnological aspects, will be created and consolidated.
The main objective of the ALARMTOX project was to develop and validate assays and biosensors for biotoxin detection that guarantee the quality of continental waters and aquaculture products. These new technologies should be more specific, more sensitive, faster and less expensive than the currently used biological and analytical methods. To reach these goals a multi-disciplinary approach was followed, exploiting the expertise of each one of the partners.
Keywords
Monitoring;
Algal toxins;
Food safety;
Bivalve;
Shellfish;
Mollusc;
Marine Region
49
Gulf of Lions (GSA 7)
53
Northern Spain (GSA 6)
2
Marine Region Map
