Abstract

A STUDY TO EXAMINE THE FORENSIC TOXICITY OF RICIN

Bandr Fakiha*

ABSTRACT

Ricin is a protein-based toxin that comes from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) alongside another protein called the Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA120). These two proteins are dangerous to human health. Liquid Chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometric (MS) assays are commonly used in the identification of ricin and in detecting the activity of ricin in samples with complex matrices. The methods make it possible to detect ricin from RCA120, which is less toxic. In this regard, the amino acid sequence of the ricin protein is determined by monitoring active ricin by MS. The research describes the application of LC/MS-based methods in the detection, differentiation, and quantification of ricin and RCA120 in laboratory samples. Overall, the LC/MS-based assays were used to successfully identify the samples with ricin or RCA120. In fact, mass spectrometry emerged as the most appropriate method for differentiating between ricin and RCA120. The results of the research led to the conclusion that LC/MS-based assays are efficient in detection, differentiation, and quantifying of ricin and RCA120 in any complex matrix.

Keywords: Ricin; RCA120; Toxin; Castor Bean; Protein; Peptide; Liquid Chromatography; Mass Spectrometric.