An International Proficiency Test to Detect, Identify and Quantify Ricin in Complex Matrices

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biosecurity

Background:

• Ricinus communis (R. communis) seeds contain ricin, a toxic protein with potential for misuse.
• Harmonizing detection capabilities in expert laboratories is crucial for biopreparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To organize an international proficiency test for ricin detection.
• To identify good analytical practices for qualitative and quantitative measurements.
• To establish a consensus concentration for a highly pure ricin reference material.

Main Methods:

• Proficiency test involving qualitative and quantitative analyses.
• Samples included pure ricin, R. communis agglutinin (RCA120), spiked matrices (buffer, milk, meat extract), and contaminated fertilizer.
• Analytical approaches included immunological, mass spectrometry (MS)-based, and functional methods.

Main Results:

• Qualitative detection and identification of ricin were successful using combined or sophisticated MS-based approaches.
• A consensus concentration for the highly pure ricin reference material was determined.
• The study identified effective analytical practices for ricin detection.

Conclusions:

• The proficiency test successfully harmonized ricin detection capabilities.
• Established methods improve quality assurance and biopreparedness in expert laboratories worldwide.
• Further steps in quality assurance are supported by these findings.