This video describes the turbidimetric format of the Limulus amoebocyte lysate, or LAL, assay to estimate endotoxin contamination in PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin nano-formulations. The turbidity of the solution following the reaction of the endotoxin with the LAL reagent helps to estimate the endotoxin in the sample.
Protocol
1. Preparation of Nanoparticle Samples Prepare the study sample in LAL grade water. If the sample pH is outside of the 6-8 range, adjust the pH by using pyrogen-free sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid. Using LAL grade water prepare several dilutions of the study sample. Make sure that the highest dilution does not exceed maximum valid dilution (MVD). 2. Preparation of Reagents Common Between LAL Formats Dilute concentrated sodium hydroxide …
Divulgations
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Materials
Sodium Hydroxide
Sigma
S2770
When needed, it is used to adjust sample pH to be between 6-8
Hydrochloric acid
Sigma
H9892
When needed, it is used to adjust sample pH to be between 6-8
LAL Reagent
Associates of Cape Cod
T0051
This reagent can be used with turbidity assay only
Control Endotoxin Standard
Associates of Cape Cod
E0005
This reagent can be used with turbidity and gel-clot assays
LAL grade water
Associates of Cape Cod
WP0501
This reagent can be used with any LAL format
Glucashield Buffer
Associates of Cape Cod
GB051-25
Used to prevent false-positive response from beta-glucans
Disposable endotoxin-free glass dilution tubes 12 x 75 mm
Associates of Cape Cod
TB240
These tubes can be used with all three assays
Disposable endotoxin-free glass reaction tubes 8 x 75 mm
Associates of Cape Cod
TK100
These tubes can be used with turbidity and chromogenic assays
Pyrogen-free tips with volumes 0.25 and 1.0 mL
RAININ
PPT25, PPT10
Tips and pipettes may adsorb endotoxin and release leachables which interfere with LAL assay. These RAININ tips are used because their optimal performance in the LAL assay was verified and confirmed
Pyrogen-free microcentrifuge tubes, 2.0 mL
Eppendorf
22600044
Other equivalent supplies can be used
Pyrogen-fee combitips, 5mL
Eppendorf
30089669
Other equivalent supplies can be used
Repeat pipettor
Eppendorf
4982000020
Other equivalent supplies can be used
Microcetrifuge
any brand
Any brand can be used
Refrigerator, 2-8 C
any brand
Any brand can be used
Vortex
any brand
Any brand can be used
Freezer, -20 C
any brand
Any brand can be used
Pyros Kinetix or Pyros Kinetix Flex reader
Associates of Cape Cod
PKF96
Other instruments can be used. However, LAL reagents and endotoxin standards used in this assay may require optimization. When other instrumentation is used, please refer to the instrument and LAL kit manufacturers for instructions
Turbidimetric Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate Assay: A Technique to Detect and Quantify Endotoxin Contamination in Nano-Formulated Drugs. J. Vis. Exp. (Pending Publication), e21174, doi: (2023).