Determination of microcystin-LR, employing aptasensors.

Cyanobacteria produce toxins such as microcystin-LR (MC-LR), which are associated with potential hepatotoxicity in humans. The detection of cyanobacteria and their toxins in drinking water and sea food is therefore crucial. To date, methods such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), protein phosphatase inhibition assay (PPIA), and Raman spectroscopy have been employed to monitor MC-LR levels. Although these techniques are precise and sensitive, they require expensive instrumentation, well-trained personnel and involve time-consuming processes meaning that their application is generally limited to well-resourced, centralised laboratory facilities. Among the emerging MC-LR detection methods, aptasensors have received great attention because of their remarkable sensitivity, selectivity, and simplicity. Aptamers, also known as "chemical" or "artificial antibodies", serve as the recognition moieties in aptasensors. This review explores the current state-of-the-art of MC-LR aptasensor platforms, evaluating the advantages and, limitations of typical transduction technologies to identify the most efficient detection system for the potentially harmful cyanobacteria associated toxin.

Toxicology effects of saffron and its constituents: a review.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been considered as a medicinal plant since ancient times and also widely used as food additive for its color, taste and odor. The pharmacological properties of saffron and its main constituents, crocin and safranal have been evaluated using different in vivo and in vitro models. Additionally, other lines of studies have found toxicological effects of saffron. However, a comprehensive review that covers all aspects of its toxicity has not been published yet. The current study provides classified information about the toxic effects of saffron and its constituents in various exposure conditions including acute, sub-acute, sub-chronic and chronic studies. Therapeutic doses of saffron exhibits no significant toxicity in both clinical and experimental investigations.

Cardiotoxicity of nano-particles.

Nano-particles (NPs) are used in industrial and biomedical fields such as cosmetics, food additives and biosensors. Beside their favorable properties, nanoparticles are responsible for toxic effects. Local adverse effects and/or systemic toxicity are described with nanoparticle delivery to target organs of the human body. Animal studies provide evidence for the aforementioned toxicity. Cardiac function is a specific target of nanoparticles. Thus, reviewing the current bibliography on cardiotoxicity of nanoparticles and specifically of titanium, zinc, silver, carbon, silica and iron oxide nano-materials is the aim of this study.