Title: Bioanalytical screening methods for dioxins and dioxin-like compounds - a review of bioassay/biomarker technology

Auteur(s): Behnisch PA ; Hosoe K ; Sakai S ;  ; 

Year: 2001

Journal: Environ Internat

Subject(s): (PCBs) ; bioassay ; Biomarker ; biomonitoring ; dibenzofurans (PCDF) ; dioxin ; dioxin toxic equivalents quotient (TEQ) ; dioxin-like compounds ; polychlorinated ; polychlorinated biphenyls ; polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDD) ; Biomarkers ; Ah receptor ; analysis ; 2,3,7,8-TCDD ;  ; 

Summary: Determination of environmental pollutants utilizing biodetectors such as bioassays, biomarkers, enzyme immunoassays (EIAs), or other bioanalytical tools is a continuously growing area. The present literature review describes the principles and advantages/limitations of several bioanalytical detection methods (BDMs) for the screening and diagnosis of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds. This study characterizes briefly the family of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, discusses potential Ah receptor (AhR) ligands and cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 1A1-enzyme-inducing compounds. 'Milestones' in the development of BDMs are summarized and explained in detail for a number of bioanalytical tools that can be used to detect these classes of dioxin-like persistent bioaccumulative toxicants (PBTs). The design of a screening profile with a battery of bioassays/biomarkers coupled with the chemical analysis is evaluated. The relative potencies (REPs) to 2,3,7,8-TCDD for dioxin-like compounds are reviewed for various BDMs and the differences are noted.