Malachite Green antibody

Malachite green is a cationic triphenylmathane dye with fungicidal properties; as such it has been used by the aquaculture industry to treat fungal infections in fish for many years throughout Europe and the rest of the world (1). Recent studies however have highlighted concerns over the toxicity of Malachite Green reporting it can lead to carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, chromosomal fractures, teratogenicity, and even respiratory toxicity. Claims have also been made that the toxicity increases with exposure in time, temperature and concentration. (2)
 
In fish, Malachite Green is metabolized to the colourless compound Leucomalachite Green, which has been found to accumulate and persist in the fat of the fish (3). Residues of Malachite Green and Leucomalachite Green have also been reported to accumulate in the serum, liver, kidney, muscle and eggs of fish. (3)
 
Growing concern regarding the toxicity of malachite green and the risk it poses to the general public has led to increased monitoring of both malachite green and leucomalachite green especially in food supplies. (4) The risk to humans has led to the use of malachite green in fish destined for human consumption being banned by the EU in 2000.
 
Residue monitoring is said to be more effective when both Malachite Green and Leucomalachite Green are measured (5) with studies showing the concentration of Leucomalachite Green is almost always higher than that of Malachite Green (6). Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for Malachite Green have not yet been set by the European Union, Canada, the USA or Japan. The European Union however have introduced minimum required performance limits (MRPLs) for most banned substances.   A minimum detection limit of 2 ppb has been set for the sum of both Malachite Green and Leucomalachite Green in the meat of aquaculture products (7).
 
Products available from Randox
 
Antibody
 
  • Leucomalachite Green – BTG PAS9533
  • Tracer Cat No – HRP9217
 
References
 
1. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, 21st June 2002, 189/02.
 
2. Srivastava S, Sinha R, Roy D (2004) Toxicological effects of malachite green. Aquat Toxicol., 66(3): 319-29.
 
3. Mitrowska K, and Posyniak A (2004) Determination of malachite green and its metabolite, leucomalachite green, in fish muscle by liquid chromatography. Bull Vet Inst Pulawy, 48: 173-176.
 
4. Sudova E, Machova J, Svobodova Z, Vesely T (2007) Negative effects of malachite green and possibilities of its replacement in the treatment of fish eggs and fish: a review. Veterinarni Medicina, 52, 2007 (12): 527–539 3
 
5. Tarbin JA, Barnes KA, Bygrave J, and Farrington WH (1998) Screening and confirmation of triphenylmethane dyes and their leuco metabolites in trout muscle using HPLC-vis and ESP-LC-MS. Analyst, 123(12): 2567-71.
 
6. Doerge DR, Churchwell MI, Gehring TA Pu YM, and Plakas SM (1998) Analysis of malachite green and metabolites in fish using liquid chromatography atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom. 12(21):
1625-34.
 
7. European Commission Decision No. 2004/25/EC of 22 December 2003 amending Decision 2002/657/EC, Official Journal of the European Communities, L 6/38.