The Science Behind the Safety
The STAERL lab is the technical foundation of the Center’s research. Using advanced technologies like RBA and HPLC, our team analyzes shellfish toxins to inform every other component of the center’s mission — from policy to prevention.
Receptor Binding Assay (RBA)
The STAERL lab is the technical foundation of the Center’s research. Using advanced technologies like RBA and HPLC, our team analyzes shellfish toxins to inform every other component of the center’s mission — from policy to prevention.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
HPLC allows us to separate toxins by congener type and measure their fluorescence response. This helps create toxin profiles that identify which types are most common in different regions and seasons.
Specific Aim
-
Provide critical shellfish toxin data to the Center, Tribal harvesters, resource managers, healthcare professionals, and university researchers. STA-ERL uses the receptor binding assay (AOAC Method 2011.27) for measuring paralytic shellfish toxins (PST). All samples are processed and analyzed within 48 hours. The results are posted to the SEATOR webpage ( Shellfish Advisories - SEATOR.org ) and sent out on regional list-serves to all SEATOR partners, local and state health officials, resource managers, and university staff. For PSTs, if toxin levels are above the regulatory limit of 80µg/100g or a SEATOR partner site is observing HAB species in their phytoplankton sample, a shellfish harvest advisory is issued by SEATOR and the Tribe for the community. In addition, the receptor binding assay data will be used to support Research Projects 1 and 3 and the Community Engagement Core. This data set is the longest near-continuous data for toxins and HAB presence in Alaska.
-
Advance the analytical support for the Center and Tribal programs working towards traditional food security. STA-ERL has increased the analytical testing capacity to include a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to add additional analytical support to the program. Data from HPLC analysis will be used to support Research Project 2.
-
Engage and train Tribal citizens on environmental science-based projects using analytical assays and support internship programs to enhance Tribal leadership in environmental science. STA-ERL and SEATOR partners have taken a leadership role in the co-management of critical subsistence resources and ensuring that Tribal citizens are engaged in these efforts. Paid internship opportunities will be offered to Tribal citizens focusing on shellfish sample intake, shucking, tissue homogenizing, extractions, and assays. In addition, the Facility Service Core will provide outreach and education support to the Community Engagement Core and Research Project 3.
Shared Lab Insights Across Projects
The Facility Resources Core lab generates two primary toxin data streams — HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and RBA (Receptor Binding Assay). These consistent, high-quality measurements are used across all three projects, enabling integrated research, reducing data silos, and promoting truly cross-disciplinary collaboration.
