Detection of Botulinum Toxin in Bovine Muscle Using a Novel PCR-Based Method

The project utilises the protease activity of botulinum toxins to directly detect activated botulinum toxins. The project is attempting to increase the sensitivity of in vitro protease assays available on the market, such as SNAPtide, based on the cleavage of these molecules by botulinum toxin. <P>
Using recombinant botulinum neurotoxin A, provided by Cliff Shone at HPA Porton, it has been shown that SNAPtide peptides are suitable substrates. Novel molecules have been designed based on these peptides and are being synthesised by commercial partners in order to increase the sensitivity of assays using this substrate. An as yet untested novel PCR based amplification system will be used to detect cleavage.