Ricin detection in  biological samples is of great significance as the toxin is reported to be a candidate substance for intoxication in bio-terrorism, suicide etc.By classical methods people have exploited antibody based immuno probes for detection of test toxin in materials under observation.However it suffers from certain drawbacks including sensitivity,cross-reactivity,time and technical preparation.It prompted researchers around the world to surf for alternate probes in bio-sensor developments which can effectively circumvent these problems.

Scientists from Japan have made use of natural molecular interaction behaviour of toxin and designed a novel probe to profile the toxin.By applying knowledge in ligand-receptor chemistry of ricin in biological systems,they have designed a synthetic analogue that acts as a ligand to toxin.It was immobilized onto a solid matrix to serve in stationary phase and ricin incubation was performed.The toxin bound to the test probe was assessed by a special spectroscopic technique Surface Plasmon Resonance(SPR) which indicated ricin at concentrations of 5 pg/ml in 5 minutes which the authours claimed as a benchmark in biosensor designing.The results obtained from this new probe were further validated by alternate methods for specificity.

The experimental research work was exciting as a analysts have completed a broad study and generated promising results with cutting edge technologies in the qualitative and quantitative fingerprinting of castor toxin.A technique that is pointed in nature proportionately requires professional perfection for absolute analysis.

For reference:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956566308004016