Detection of cyanobacterial toxins (microcystins) in cell extracts by micellar electrokinetic chromatography

A micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) method with UV detection is described for the rapid and efficient separation of three microcystins: microcystin-YR (MCYST-YR), microcystin-LR (MCYST-LR) and microcystin-RR (MCYST-RR). A detection limit of 7.5 pg for each toxin was achieved. The UV intensities of these toxins measured at 200 nm showed good linearity in the range 7.5-150 pg. The production of MCYST-LR in three cultured strains of cyanobacteria, namely Microcystis aeruginosa strain IP7806, Microcystis aeruginosa strain IP7813 and Oscillatoria agardhii strain IP7805, was evaluated.