First Identification of Palytoxin-Like Molecules in the Atlantic Coral Species <i>Palythoa canariensis</i>

Palytoxin (PLTX) is a complex marine toxin produced by Zoanthids (<i>Palyhtoa</i>), dinoflagellates (<i>Ostreopsis</i>), and cyanobacteria (<i>Trichodesmium</i>). Contact with PLTX-like compounds present in aerosols or marine organisms has been associated with adverse effects on humans. The worldwide distribution of producer species and seafood contaminated with PLTX-like molecules illustrates the global threat to human health. The identification of species capable of palytoxin production is critical for human safety. We studied the presence of PLTX analogues in <i>Palythoa canariensis</i>, a coral species collected in the Atlantic Ocean never described as a PLTX-producer before. Two methodologies were used for the detection of these toxins: a microsphere-based immunoassay that offered an estimation of the content of PLTX-like molecules in a <i>Palythoa canariensis</i> extract and an ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to an ion trap with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UPLC-IT-TOF-MS) that allowed the characterization of the toxin profile. The results demonstrated the presence of PLTX, hydroxy-PLTX and, at least, two additional compounds with PLTX-like profile in the <i>Palythoa canariensis</i> sample. The PLTX content was estimated in 0.27 mg/g of lyophilized coral using UPLC-IT-TOF-MS. Therefore, this work demonstrates that <i>Palythoa canariensis</i> produces a mixture of PLTX-like molecules. This is of special relevance to safeguard human health considering <i>Palythoa</i> species are commonly used for decoration by aquarium hobbyists