Development of a Fluorescence-Based Sensor for Rapid Diagnosis of Cyanide Exposure

Abstract

Although commonly known as a highly toxic chemical, cyanide is also an essential reagent for many industrial processes in areas such as mining, electroplating, and synthetic fiber production. The “heavy” use of cyanide in these industries, along with its necessary transportation, increases the possibility of human exposure. Because the onset of cyanide toxicity is fast, a rapid, sensitive, and accurate method for the diagnosis of cyanide exposure is necessary. Therefore, a field sensor for the diagnosis of cyanide exposure was developed based on the reaction of naphthalene dialdehyde, taurine, and cyanide, yielding a fluorescent β-isoindole. An integrated cyanide capture “apparatus”, consisting of sample and cyanide capture chambers, allowed rapid separation of cyanide from blood samples. Rabbit whole blood was added to the sample chamber, acidified, and the HCN gas evolved was actively transferred through a stainless steel channel to the capture chamber containing a basic solution of naphthalene dialdehyde (NDA) and taurine. The overall analysis time (including the addition of the sample) was <3 min, the linear range was 3.13–200 µM, and the limit of detection was 0.78 µM. None of the potential interferents investigated (NaHS, NH4OH, NaSCN, and human serum albumin) produced a signal that could be interpreted as a false positive or a false negative for cyanide exposure. Most importantly, the sensor was 100% accurate in diagnosing cyanide poisoning for acutely exposed rabbits.

Cross-species and tissue variations in cyanide detoxification rates in rodents and non-human primates on protein-restricted diet

“…Cyanide has remained of interest to toxicologists for its highly acute toxic (lethal) potential and ability to induce rapid and mass casualties (Borron and Baud, 2012, Greenfield et al, 2002, Jackson et al, 2014), its widespread industrial use (Amizet et al, 2011) and, reportedly, a role in a host of neurodegenerative diseases (Cliff et al, 2011, Dawson et al, 1995, Di Filippo et al, 2008, Howlett et al, 1990, Mills et al, 1999, Tshala-Katumbay et al, 2002, Tylleskar et al, 1995). Exposure to cyanide may occur through smoke inhalation, illicit use, or diet (Jackson et al, 2014).…”

Alternate injections coupled with flow-gated capillary electrophoresis for rapid and accurate quantitative analysis of urine samples

“…S1). Precipitation formation has been observed and was presumably attributed to the byproducts of NDA and amino acids [33]. Numerous primary amines exist in urine samples, and these amines compete for cyanide during the derivatization process.…”

High Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis after a Suicide Attempt with Cyanide: The Rebirth of Cyanide Poisoning

“…In human immunodeficiency virus patients, treatment with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors may result in severe type B lactic acidosis after several months of use (20)(21)(22). Hence, obtaining an accurate and prompt diagnosis of acute cyanide intoxication is necessary, and, importantly, a new field sensor for the diagnosis of cyanide exposure was recently reported (6).…”