Microelectrode array (MEA) platform as a sensitive tool to detect and evaluate Ostreopsis cf. ovata toxicity.

Area of Science:

• Marine biology
• Ecotoxicology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Harmful dinoflagellate blooms of Ostreopsis are increasing globally, posing risks to public health and economies.
• Ostreopsis produce potent palytoxin-like toxins (PTLXs) with high mammalian toxicity.
• Current toxicological data rely on in vivo assays for pure toxins, neglecting complex mixtures and cellular components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an in vitro biosensor system for evaluating marine algae toxicity.
• To investigate the toxicity of Ostreopsis cf. ovata using neuronal networks and microelectrode arrays (MEAs).
• To differentiate the toxic effects of algal cells versus their released compounds.

Main Methods:

• Utilized in vitro neuronal networks coupled to a microelectrode array (MEA) system.
• Tested three Ostreopsis cf. ovata treatments: re-suspended cells, sonicated cells, and conditioned growth medium.
• Analyzed the spontaneous electrical activity of neuronal networks to assess toxic effects.

Main Results:

• The MEA system demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting PTLX-complex analogues in the growth medium.
• Different treatments exhibited varying potencies in inhibiting neuronal network activity.
• The study revealed distinct toxicity mechanisms between cellular components and the conditioned growth medium.

Conclusions:

• In vitro neuronal networks coupled to MEAs are effective biosensors for marine algae toxicity assessment.
• The system can differentiate the toxicological impact of complex algal mixtures and cellular components.
• This approach highlights the potential role of cellular components in Ostreopsis toxicity.