CHED 407 |
| The presence of blue-green algae (BGA) toxins in drinking and recreational waters has recently received increased attention as a public health issue. However, the possible contamination of BGA products, such as dietary supplements, has been largely overlooked. Their putative beneficial effects include weight loss, increased energy, and decreased allergic reactions. These products may be contaminated with M. aeruginosa, a strain of blue-green algae that produces microcystins, and with β-methylaminoalanine (BMAA), a nonprotein amino acid involved in neurological diseases. We evaluated different brands of BGA dietary supplements for the occurrence of microcystin L-R using HPLC and Protein Phosphatase Inhibition Assays. The concentration of microcystin L-R in 70% of the samples ranged from 0.9 to 3 mg/L. The presence of the hepatotoxin was confirmed using mass spectrometry. Currently, we are developing a method to identify BMAA in blue-green algae products using capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence, and GC/MS. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Organic Chemistry
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, 27 March 2006 Georgia World Congress Center -- Ex. Hall B4, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |