Limulus Amebocyte Lysate

Flexmag07-Focus02Morphologically, the limulus (horseshoe crab) has not changed in 500 million years. Its particularity is that it has no immune system. To make up for this shortfall, its cells produce a protein that converts the haemolymph (equivalent of blood) into a semisolid gel-like substance. This gel quite simply blocks out bacterial infections. Since the 1970s limulus haemolymph has been used to produce a reagent known as Limulus Amebocyte Lysate. It has the property of coagulating instantaneously when it comes into contact with pathogens.

Sylvie Ponlot