ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the solubility and stability of Tetrodotoxin (TTX) in different solvents, and the effect of temperature and pH on its stability. Methods Solutions of TTX in different matrices were prepared. Their concentrations at different temperatures and pH buffers were determined by high performance liquid chromatography and their solubility and stability were analyzed and calculated. Results TTX was most soluble at pH 3.5 and its solubility decreased as the pH increased. TTX degraded most rapidly under strong alkali conditions, with complete degradation after 20 min of reaction at 0.1 mol/L sodium hydroxide and 70 ℃. The stability test results similarly demonstrated that TTX was least stable under alkaline conditions. In a PBS buffered solution at 37 ℃, pH 7.4, TTX concentration began to decrease consistently at 1~10h, with a degradation rate of 88.07±0.27% after 28 days. Conclusion TTX is readily soluble in acidic aqueous solutions at pH 3.5 and almost insoluble in alkaline aqueous solutions. Its stability is closely related to the temperature and pH of the medium. It is more stable in acidic aqueous solutions and easily degrades under alkaline conditions, and its degradation process could be accelerated by increasing temperature.