Non-Select Toxins

Quick Links

• Recombinant DNA and Toxin Experiments
• Guidelines & SOP Templates
  • Cholera toxin (both subunits)
  • Diphtheria Toxin
  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
  • Pertussis Toxin
  • Resiniferatoxin
  • General SOP Template - Biotoxins
• Spills and Exposures

Non-Select Toxins of biological origin (biological toxins) are toxic substances that are produced or carried by microorganisms, animals, and plants.  Biological toxins are non-replicating and non-infectious materials.   However, they may be extremely toxic in very small quantities and must be managed like hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Controls must be in place to ensure staff are protected from occupational exposure. The routes of exposure may include inhalation via aerosol or droplet, mucous membranes via splash or splatter, percutaneous via needlestick or other non-intact skin exposure, and transdermal absorption. Examples of non-select biological toxins include lippolysaccharide (LPS), diphtheria toxin, whole cholera toxin, and pertussis toxin.  

Work involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules that encode the active subunit(s) of a biological toxin must also have IBC approval before initiation work. An SOP relevant to each individual toxin must be reviewed, tested by the researcher, and approved by OESO. Guidance documents and SOP templates are linked on this page.

Contact biosafety@duke.edu for additional guidance and templates.