Is there any major difference in the tissue in whether to buy with citrate and dissolve into water or without citrate and dissolve into an acidic buffer?
TTX is an inner salt, thus I would expect it to be fairly water-soluble on its own, although the solubility of the citrate is likely to be higher. However, the concentrations required in experiments would be low, given the high toxicity of the stuff. You may want to read the manufacturer's docs if there is any effect of salt formation on shelf-life.
Of course, you know that TTX is highly toxic and that you need a thorough briefing by your safety officer before you start working with it?!
Dear Claudia,
the main differences lies in the solubility in water. Tetrodotoxin itself has a low solubility in water, whereas tetrodotoxin citrate is much better soluble (up to ca. 32 mg per milliliter). I assume that it makes no difference whether you use the pre-fabricated citrate salt or make it in situ from tetrodotoxin and citric acid. However, in view of the fact that one usually works only with a few milligram, I would suggest to buy the pure citrate for easier handling.
Please always keep in mind that tetrodotocxin is a potent neurotoxin. Thus I fully agree with Engelbert Buxbaum in that you should read important informations about how to work safely with this material. In this context please have a look at the following useful article:
Tetrodotoxin: Chemistry, Toxicity, Source, Distribution and Detection
Article Tetrodotoxin: Chemistry, Toxicity, Source, Distribution and Detection
This paper is freely available as public full text on RG.
Good luck with your work and best wishes, Frank Edelmann
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