MOLECULAR TOOLS FOR MONITORING HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS The quantitative real-time PCR applications in the monitoring of marine harmful algal bloom (HAB) species

Abstract In the last decade, various molecular methods (e.g., fluorescent hybridization assay, sandwich hybridiza-tion assay, automatized biosensor detection, real-time PCR assay) have been developed and implemented for accurate and specific identification and estimation of marine toxic microalgal species. This review focuses on the recent quan-titative real-time PCR (qrt-PCR) technology developed for the control and monitoring of the most important taxonomic phytoplankton groups producing biotoxins with relevant negative impact on human health, the marine environment, and related economic activities. The high specificity and sensitivity of the qrt-PCR methods determined by the ade-quate choice of the genomic target gene, nucleic acid puri-fication protocol, quantification through the standard curve, and type of chemical detection method make them highly efficient and therefore applicable to harmful algal bloom phenomena. Recent development of qrt-PCR-based assays using the target gene of toxins, such as saxitoxin com-pounds, has allowed more precise quantification of toxigen-ic species (i.e., Alexandrium catenella) abundance. These studies focus only on toxin-producing species in the marine environment. Therefore, qrt-PCR technology seems to offer the advantages of understanding the ecology of harmful algal bloom species and facilitating the management of their outbreaks