News
27-Feb-2007 - Reference standards for microcystin testing
LGC Promochem and Cyano Biotech - working together to
provide laboratories with calibration standards for microcystin
analysis
Scientists analysing for microcystins in water can now source a
set of four reference standards through LGC Promochem. Standards of
Microcystin-LR, Microcystin-RR, Microcystin-YR and a mix containing
all three were developed by Cyano Biotech GmbH, a spin-out company
from the Institute of Biology of Humboldt-University, Berlin, to
help laboratories analyse water samples for these toxins.
Around 90 microcystins have been identified to date, but it is
the potent toxicity of Microcystis aeruginosa that gives the most
cause for concern. Currently the WHO has established that
microcystin levels above 1 µg/L are likely to be dangerous to
health. If consumed, microcystins migrate to the liver via the bile
system and can cause liver failure, tumours and even death. Indeed,
cases of animal and human poisonings due to the consumption of
water containing microcystinal toxins are frequently reported. For
organisations such as public health authorities, monitoring the
microcystin levels in all areas of water is vital, especially
during hot summer months when algal blooms are more prevalent in
nutrient-rich water containing high levels of nitrates and
phosphates.
Cyano Biotech appointed LGC Promochem to distribute its
microcystin standards on an initially exclusive and worldwide basis
because of the Company’s excellent promotional and distribution
network and logistics expertise. These standards complement other
ranges of toxin standards available from LGC Promochem such as
shellfish toxins.
Microcystin-LR, Microcystin-RR, Microcystin-YR are available in
1 mL vials at a concentration of 10 µg/mL, while the mixed standard
is available in 1.5mL quantities at a concentration of 5 µg/mL
each. For all the standards, the microcystins are dissolved in
methanol. For further details of the microcystin reference
standards, please contact LGC Promochem by email at askus@lgcpromochem.com or call
+44 (0)20 8943 8480.
LGC Promochem – Supporting Laboratory Standards
Notes to
Editors