Biosensors for detection of marine toxins

Highly proliferating, tiny phytoplanktons play a basic role in the stabilization of ecosystem, by contributing to photosynthesis. However, some of these are reportedly harmful to other living organisms, including marine life and humans as well. These harmful phytoplanktons are further classified on the basis of the source of production and toxicity. Exposure to the toxins, which are produced by the harmful phytoplanktons, causes lethal intoxication in humans, which ultimately leads to death. The adverse effects to health and socioeconomic conditions rendered by these marine toxins make it crucial to on-site detection of these before they can reach the market. Effective detective and screening systems are required to eliminate the hazards. In this chapter, the extensive effects and types of marine toxins along with various emerging techniques utilized for biosensing these toxins are discussed.