Comparative evaluation of ELISA, PPIA, and HPLC/MS for microcystin quantification in seven lakes of western Michigan

Frontiers in Microbiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Chen Cheng, Xiaonan Tang, Yongjiu Cai, Dailan Deng, Liqiang Xie, Richard R. Rediske
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2026.1733970
Cited by: 1
References: 32

Abstract

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs) pose escalating risks to aquatic ecosystems and public health through the release of microcystins (MCs), emphasizing the need for accurate detection and quantification. This study compared three widely used MC detection methods—enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), protein phosphatase inhibition assay (PPIA), and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS)—across about 200 samples from seven drowned river mouth lakes in western Michigan, USA. Results revealed that PPIA and ELISA overestimated the concentration of MC-LR. Specifically, the measurement error of MC-LR equivalent by ELISA and PPIA increased at low concentrations (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics Marine and coastal ecosystems Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology

Publication details

Journal / source
Frontiers in Microbiology
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Volume
17
Pages
1733970–1733970
Publication date
21 May 2026
Language
EN