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ABSTRACT: In order to test the use of lectins as a tool for the differentiation of harmful algal species, 13 species and 23 strains
of algae were tested with 14 fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated lectins, and the results examined using flow cytometry
(FCM), epifluorescence microscopy (EFM) and spectrofluorometry (SFM). The lectin probes SBA, WGA, GSL I, DBA and PHA-E could
distinguish between morphologically similar Gymnodinium-like species, such as Karenia mikimotoi (GMDH01), Takayama pulchellum (TPXM01) and Gymnodinium sp. (GspXM01), by their different binding activities. With the precise quantitative measurements of binding obtained using
SFM and FCM, lectins appeared to be useful in distinguishing different strains of the same species. The results also showed
that PHA-E could differentiate Alexandrium tamarense (ATDH04) from other strains of this species, and SJA could distinguish A. tamarense (ATMJ02) from other strains of this species (including ATMJ01). Similarly, PNA could identify A. tamarense (ATDH01, 02, 03); UEA I could recognize A. tamarense (ATCI01-JN, ATCI01); and RCA120 could differentiate Alexandrium sp (AspGX01) from strain AspGX02, which was shown to produce different levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin. Lectin
probes could also bind these target cells in mixed algal samples. Positive cells identified by FCM were clearer than negative
cells thus, in EFM, both GspXM01 and TPXM01 labeled with a WGA lectin probe could be distinguished from target cells of K. mikimotoi, Prorocentrum donghaiense and P. minimum (PMDH01, PMXM01) in mixed algal samples. FCM, EFM and SFM analysis could clearly distinguish lectin-probe-bound cells from
negative cells in culture.
Journal of Applied Phycology 04/2012; 20(1):35-46. · 2.41 Impact Factor
