Algerian Journal of Forensic Sciences and Criminology
Volume 2, Numéro 1, Pages 17-27
2025-05-25
Authors : Djerra Hamza . Rezazgui Ismail . Youcef Achira Aya . Cherfa Mohamed Cherif . Bouchouareb Khirreddine .
Abstract— Ricin, a highly toxic protein derived from the seeds of Ricinus communis, poses significant threats due to its potential misuse as a biotoxin. Detecting ricin in complex matrices remains a critical challenge, particularly in regions where validated methods tailored to local cultivars are lacking. This study presents the development and validation of a robust method for the qualitative detection and screening of ricin peptides extracted from an Algerian Ricinus communis cultivar using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The extraction relied on an acetone-based method, followed directly by trypsin digestion without any enrichment step, enabling a streamlined workflow. Five tryptic peptides were identified as reliable markers (T7A, T12A, T13B, T10B-SS, and T14B-SS-T16B) for unambiguous identification. The method was validated for its limit of detection (LOD), selectivity, repeatability, and reproducibility, achieving LODs ranging from 0.27 µg/mL to 2.65 µg/mL. This work addresses the urgent need for validated detection tools adapted to local contexts and provides a valuable framework for forensic ricin detection.
Toxins ; Ricin ; LC-MS/MS ; Method validation ; Tryptic peptides
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