PROCESS BASED ON THE INHIBITION OF PHOSPHATASES FOR DETECTING AND QUANTIFYING DIARRHOETIC SHELLFISH POISON

摘要

Process for detecting and quantifying diarrhoetic shellfish poison (DSP) based on the inhibition of phosphatases. The presence of DSP-producing red waters contaminates the molluscs which have to be constantly controlled before they are commercialised. The present technique is the bioassay which comprises the administration of a mollusc extract to rats; the result is positive if the rat dies before twelve hours. Said method is slow, costly, erratic and lacks specificity. The process of the invention detects and quantifies the toxines by measuring the inhibition of phosphatases partially purified. The phosphate inhibition is quantified by using as support a microtitration plate, and eliciting the enzymatic activity with a phosphatase substrate which, according to its chemical characteristics, is converted into a fluorescent, luminescent or colour product. Said technique is fast, economical and reliable. The sector which can beneficiate from this invention is the mollusc canning and producing industry.