Development of an oligonucleotide microarray for the detection and monitoring of marine dinoflagellates

摘要: Abstract Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), mainly caused by dinoflagellates and diatoms, have great economic sanitary implications. An important contribution for the comprehension of HAB phenomena identification risks related to toxic algal species is given monitoring programs. In microscopy-based methods, harmful are distinguished through their morphological characteristics. This can be time consuming requires taxonomic expertise due existence morphologically close-related species. The high throughput, automation possibility specificity microarray-based detection assay, makes this technology very promising qualitative study, an oligonucleotide microarray targeted ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region nine dinoflagellate species/clades was designed evaluated. Two probes (45–47 nucleotides in length) were each species/clade reduce potential false positives. sensitivity evaluated with PCR amplicons obtained from 20 cultured strains. Cross hybridization experiments confirmed probe specificity; moreover, assay showed a good sensitivity, allowing up 2 ng labeled product. applicability field samples demonstrated using net concentrated seawater samples, un-spiked or spiked known amounts cells. Despite general application algae not new, peculiar group target has been included new-format assay. Moreover, novelties regarding allowed improvements comparison previously published studies.