Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook Instagram Threads
    Global BiodefenseGlobal Biodefense
    Subscribe
    • Featured News
    • Funding
    • Directory
    • Jobs
    • Events
    Global BiodefenseGlobal Biodefense
    Biodetection

    Rapid Identification of Ricin in Serum Samples Using LC–MS/MS

    By Global Biodefense StaffJanuary 23, 2021
    This image from the CDC depicts castor beans, Ricinus communis, composed of numbers of spiny seed pods, and a freed castor beans scattered about the setting. Castor beans contain the highly toxic poison known as ricin.
    Share
    Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Email

    The widespread availability of ricin, a protein derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) and its extreme toxicity make it an ideal agent for bioterrorism and self-poisoning.

    A rapid, sensitive and reliable method for ricin identification in clinical samples is required for applying appropriate and timely medical intervention. However, this goal is challenging due to the low predicted toxin concentrations in bio-fluids, accompanied by significantly high matrix interferences.

    In this study, researchers report the on a sensitive, rapid, antibody-independent assay for the identification of ricin in body fluids using mass spectrometry (MS). The assay involves lectin affinity capturing of ricin by easy-to-use commercial lactose–agarose (LA) beads, following by tryptic digestion and selected marker identification using targeted LC–MS/MS (Multiple Reaction Monitoring) analysis. This enables ricin identification down to 5 ng/mL in serum samples in 2.5 h.

    A real-life test of the assay was successfully executed in a challenging clinical scenario, where the toxin was identified in an abdominal fluid sample taken 72 h post self-injection of castor beans extraction in an eventual suicide case.

    This method developed for ricin identification in clinical samples has the potential to be applied to the identification of other lectin toxins. Being antibody independent, the assay can be extended to a multiplexed application for identifying the entire RIP II toxins family without skewing the result by a priori selection of target toxins by specific antibodies.

    Rapid, Sensitive and Reliable Ricin Identification in Serum Samples Using LC–MS/MS. Toxins, 22 January 2021.

    Editor Pick Rapid Diagnostics Ricin Select Agents
    Share. Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleDr. Fauci Makes First Appearance at Biden White House Press Briefing – Transcript
    Next Article EU Initiative on Health Security Work Programme 2021

    Related Stories

    EPA Developing AMR Risk Framework for Antibacterial and Antifungal Pesticides

    September 29, 2023

    Provide Feedback on Federal DURC Biosafety Oversight of Potential Pandemic Pathogens

    September 24, 2023

    Committee to Examine Transmission and Geographic Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease

    September 24, 2023

    New Method Improves Quantification of Ricin in Complex Matrices

    September 20, 2023
    News Scan

    Biodefense Headlines – 19 September 2023

    News Scan September 19, 2023

    News highlights on health security threats and countermeasures curated by Global Biodefense This week’s selections include a global survey of gain-of-function research; funding of an mRNA mpox vaccine; Nipah virus outbreak in India; field detection of threat agents with acoustic…

    Upcoming Events

    Oct 3
    Virtual Event Virtual Event
    October 3 - October 5

    OneLab Summit 2023

    Oct 4
    Virtual Event Virtual Event
    10:00 am - 2:00 pm EDT

    Tunneling Nanotubes and Intracellular Protrusions Workshop

    Oct 12
    Virtual Event Virtual Event
    12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT

    Public-Private Partnerships for Acceptance and Uptake of Medical Countermeasures

    Oct 17
    Virtual Event Virtual Event
    12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT

    Public-Private Partnerships for Dispensing and Administration of Medical Countermeasures

    View Calendar

    Subscribe to Global Biodefense

    Get the latest news on pathogens and preparedness

    © 2023 Stemar Media Group LLC
    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Subscribe

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.