COASTAL

COASTAL

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins in shellfish are potent toxins produced by some microalgae species. During harmful algal blooms (HABs), the accumulation of these toxins in crustacean and molluscs tissues may lead to severe food intoxications. Apart from public health concern, HABs also represent significant economic burden for aquaculture and tourism.

Nowadays, the existing PSP detection tools are expensive or limited in the detected toxins.

In this scenario, the COASTAL project strives to develop a microfluidic system with integrated sensors for rapid detection of the main PSP observed in the Norway and Portugal. This low-cost portable test could be used by shellfish producers to monitor the presence of in-situ toxins and serve as a decision support system in the case of HABs events or paralytic toxins occurrence, contributing to the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.