New biosensors are researched in the UK

Chalex Research, a research funding consultancy based in the UK, is developing a sensor to detect multiple toxins in shellfish. Currently shellfish processors are only allowed to use rats and mice in testing for toxins. The animal is injected with a sample. If it gets sick or dies, the shellfish is rejected as unsafe. The mission is to develop a multi-channel, high-throughput biosensor for the detection of diarrheic shellfish toxins, yessotoxins, pectenotoxins, azaspiracids and gymnodimine.

 

The proposed biosensor will use surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to detect and measure these lipophilic phycotoxins in seafood residues. The sensor allow processors to make real-time, automated, multiresidue analysis of food products, both in laboratories and at on-site locations. Chalex is involved in the production of the necessary sensor chip. The chip will be added to an existing sensor allowing the instrument to make the analysis of the shellfish sample.

 

Food Traceability 2006 conference will be held on February 1-2 2006 in Dallas, USA. This hot topic is driven by health scares, bioterrorism and new laws. It will become the largest RFID application but we cover DNA and many other vital technologies as well. For further details please visit www.trackingfood.com 

 

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