The DR-CALUX cell culture assay for detecting dioxin-like PCBs in food

• Project start date: 1 December 2002
• Project status: Completed
• Project type: Food safety
• Discipline: Microbiology and food hygiene
• Author/s: Mr Peadar Canavan, Galway Public Analyst’s Laboratory, Galway
• Collaborator/s: Mr Michael Walker, Northern Ireland Public Analyst’s Laboratory

Research objective

The DR-CALUX assay uses genetically modified animal cells to detect, specifically and quantitatively, toxicity caused by exposure to dioxin and dioxin-like PCBs in a wide range of matrices, including food. Detection is through light generation from the cells. This project focussed primarily on method development in the Public Analyst's Laboratories on the island of Ireland.

Outputs

Research report

• Title: DR-CALUX BioDetection System for Dioxin
• Date: 9 May 2004
• Summary: Unpublished report, available on request