RICIN, A CHAIN

Chemical properties

Various tests for the detection of Ricin are avail- able, including “Pro-Strips” from Avant Technologies, the BIO-911? test strip developed by Osborn Scientific Group, Lakeside AZ. This one-step test is reported to detect, within minutes, the presence of minute quantities of the toxin (less than 50 nanograms); the freeze-dried assay kit to detect crude Ricin called Ruggedized Advanced Pathogen Identification Device (Rapid)?, Rapid LT, and Razor instrument developed by Idaho Technologies, Inc. Ricin is detectable in urine, plasma, and environmental samples. Instant Chek Abrin/Ricin Detection Kit, Catalog Number: IC-RA-003-10 Kit Contents: 10 test units each test contains two tests (one Abrin and one Ricin) per unit, lyophilized reagent, reconstitution buffer, wash buffer, transfer pipettes, instruction booklet. Ey Laboratories, Inc, 107 N. Amphlett Blvd, San Mateo, CA. 94401 USA, Toll Free (North America)1-800-821-0044; Telephone: 1-650- 342-3296, Option 2 or 3 Fax. 11 (650) 342 2648. Also, in 2009, researchers at Yeshiva University’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed an accurate test. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) can detect castor bean DNA in most Ricin preparations. See also “Water Detection,” below.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Ricin A chain inactivates the 60?S ribosomal subunit of eukaryotic cells, inhibiting protein synthesis. This toxic activity is independent of the presence of the B chain of ricin.

Potential Exposure

Potentially Fatal. Ricin, a protein found in castor beans, is one of the most incredibly potent and lethal substances known to humankind2500 μg (an amount capable of fitting on the head of a pin)—is capable of killing an adult within a few days. The castor plant, and their beans, is an important industrial plant and vast amounts of castor plants and beans are grown commer- cially. The castor plant, originally native to Africa, is an attractive plant that can be found in people’s yards as orna- mentals. If the flowers are removed before they produce seeds, the risk of accidents can be averted. Ricin poisoning can occur following accidental ingestion of castor beans. In some countries castor beans are used as beads on neck- laces; both children and adults have eaten just a few beans and died from the poison. This invasive 8 to 10 foot tall plant can be found in more than 25 US states and other places, including Australia. The plants die in freezing weather. The beans are turned into important and valuable industrial products. After the castor oil is squeezed from the castor beans, about 5% of what’s left is Ricin. Although people have used weak castor oil as a laxative, purgative, and general folk-medicine “cure all,” pure Ricin kills in a few days. Ricin gets into the body’s cells and inhibits protein synthesis. Once this essential mechanism is halted, within hours the body’s systems begins to shut down and the body begins to die. Ricin poisoning is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. Because Ricin isn’t a living thing but rather a chemical made by living things, it probably would NOT make as effective a military weapon as viruses or bacteria like the ebola virus or anthrax. Nevertheless, it would make an effective terrorist weapon because it’s easy to make and easy to use. It is estimated that a ton of Ricin would be required to produce a mass casualty biological weapon. With no known antidote ? , vaccine, or other effective ther- apy available for Ricin poisoning, the threat of this agent being released into the environment as an aerosol, or added to the food or water supply, could be catastrophic. Ricin is extremely hazardous when freeze-dried, forming a light,easily-dispersed powder. For this reason, research labora- tory personnel are usually directed to avoid freeze-drying Ricin. ? Note: Various public and private sector organiza- tions are working on the development of antibody therapy that shows promise in neutralizing Ricin in animals. If suc- cessful, this therapy could result in a vaccine for humans and potentially reduce the threat of Ricin being used as a terrorist weapon.

Shipping

UN3172 Toxins, extracted from living sources, liquid, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required. UN3462 Toxins, extracted from living sources, solid, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required.

Purification Methods

Ricin (toxin from Castor bean Ricinus communis) [A chain 96638-28-7, B chain 96638-29-8] Mr ~30,000, amorphous. Crude ricin, obtained by aqueous extraction and (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, is chromatographed on a galactosyl-Sepharose column with sequential elution of pure ricin. The second peak is due to ricin agglutinin. [Simmons & Russell Anal Biochem 146 206 1985.] It is an inhibitor of protein synthesis. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, USE EXTREME CARE [instructions accompany product].

Incompatibilities

Product is considered stable at ambient temperature. Ricin and other protein toxins can be destroyed by exposure to 0.1% sodium hypochlorite solution (household bleach) for 10 minutes. The toxic portion of Ricin is heat stable at ambient temperatures and begins to decompose at 60℃/140 ℃. At 80℃/176 ℃ most of the toxicity is lost in about 30 minutes. When heated to decomposition, Ricin emits toxic nitrogen oxides. Avoid contact with strong oxidizers.

Waste Disposal

Do not clean-up or dispose of Ricin, except under supervision of a specialist.