Ricin Analysis Service

Online Inquiry

Overview

Ricin is a ribosome-inactivating protein, a type II inhibitor of ribosomal activity, consisting of two peptide chains, A and B (RTA and RTB), covalently linked by disulfide bonds. RTB binds to glycoproteins or glycolipids on the surface of target cells, mediating endocytosis of the toxin into the cell and along the reverse transport pathway into the endoplasmic reticulum, reducing the release of RTA into the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm RTA produces cytotoxicity by inhibiting protein synthesis through its RNA ribonuclease activity. In addition to protein synthesis inhibition, ricin also induces apoptosis, cytokine release and peroxidation. The toxin is prone to damage parenchymal organs such as liver and kidney, causing hemorrhage, degeneration and necrosis. It can agglutinate and lyse red blood cells, inhibit paralysis of cardiovascular and respiratory centers thus leading to death.

Ricin is characterized by low preparation cost, stable nature, multiple poisoning pathways and no specific antidote. Because of its extreme toxicity, it poses a serious threat to public safety as a biological warfare agent and terrorist agent. Creative Proteomics has a UPLC-MS technology platform that enables qualitative and quantitative detection of ricin.

Ricin structure Ricin's structure

The technical route of targeted metabolomics of ricin

Sample requirements

Plant tissues ≥ 100 mg/sample
Animal tissues ≥ 100 mg/sample
Blood / Serum / Plasma ≥ 200 μL/sample
Urine ＞ 100 µl
Stool ＞ 100 mg
Drugs ≥ 0.2 g/sample

In order to ensure the accuracy of the samples and reduce systematic errors during sampling, it is necessary to select more than 3 materials with the same condition for each sample. It is recommended that prepare more than 6 biological replicates.

We can also accept other samples. Please contact the technical staff for the specific sample size required.