Abstract
Harmful algal bloom (HAB) research and monitoring has traditionally been based on ecological and microbiological measurements which are laborious, time-consuming, and reliant on experienced operators. Recent developments in oligonucleotide probe technology and immunofluorescence research have revealed several potential applications and techniques that may be transposable to laboratory and field-based monitoring and research. Field trials are currently underway for fluorescent in situ hybridisation and sandwich hybridisation assays. The former is particularly suited for laboratory-based research on harmful algal bloom (HAB) population dynamics and structure, whereas the sandwich hybridisation assays based on a portable robotics workstation, offers the potential of quick and reliable laboratory and possibly field-based screening for HAB species. Initial development is underway for molecular beacons and the QB replicase detection system, both offer the potential of simple and cost effective strategies for field-based monitoring by people with minimal knowledge of molecular biology.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 551-560 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 1997 |
Keywords
- Armful algal blooms
- Fluorescent in situ hybridisation
- Molecular beacons
- Oligonucleotide probes
- QB replicase detection
- Sandwich hybridisation assays