CHED 408 |
| Microcystins (MCs) are a family of strongly hepatoxic peptides produced by different species of cyanobacteria. The increased eutrophication of fresh water supplies has led to the increased incidence of these cyanotoxins in the water supply. The presence of MCs in drinking and surface water poses a serious threat to human and animal health. We have recently identified at least four MC variants present in surface water collected from a South Florida water estuary during a blue-green algae bloom. The samples were processed by sonicating the cells, centrifuging and concentrating using solid phase extraction. HPLC was used to identify and purify the MCs. Increased interest in these cyanotoxins has increased the demand for pure MCs. We were able to purify 10 mg of MC-LR, the most common variant, from a 100mL sample. |
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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 |