Toxicology and evaluation of microcystins

This paper reviews the toxicity and tumor-promoting properties of microcyst ins. Methods for screening and/or identification of microcystins in environ mental samples are discussed and compared. Specific emphasis is placed on n ewly developed extraction/detection methods, e.g., solid phase microextract ion (SPME) technique, and capillary electrophoresis coupled with laser-indu ced fluorescence detection. The results of a kinetic analysis of the effect s of microcystins on phosphorylase-a binding to phosphatase-2A using a surf ace plasmon resonance biosensor are also presented.