Mycotoxins Detections Methods

MYCOTOXINS DETECTION and ANALYSIS METHODS

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of low molecular weight and therefore, test methods for analysis of mycotoxins face different problems ranging from the need to have a well-equipped laboratory, in terms of instrumentation and analytical capacity, to personnel with sufficient experience in handling of samples and reference standards.

Mycotoxins in feed are commonly detected and quantified using antibody-based assays and chromatography technique.

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IMMUNOCHEMICAL METHODS Mycotoxins are not antigenic. That is why one of the first developed studies were focused on how to achieve conjugation with proteins or polypeptides that could serve as transporters of antibody production in rabbits and other animals under the optimal conditions.

Different types of immunoassays were developed, among which the most important ones are: ELISA test (enzyme-linked

ELISA TEST The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is an antibody-based assay that is commonly used for mycotoxins

immunosorbent assay)

detection.

RIA (radioimmunoassay)

There are several commercial

immunoaffinity columns

deoxynivalenol, Fumonisins,

ELISA kits available for aflatoxins, Ochratoxins and Zearalenone.

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Most of these methods are very

ELISA is one of the most

sensitive, specific and easy to

affordable methods for

use, which has given rise to a

mycotoxins detection, but the

new dimension in terms of

limit of detection for many

methodology for mycotoxins

mycotoxins often exceeds

analysis.

0.2 ppm.

INSTRUMENTAL METHODS Chromatography and Spectrometry

The use of chromatographic

HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY

techniques requires prior preparation of a sample

High-performance liquid

Gas chromatography (GC) is used

using different methods of

chromatography (HPLC) represents

less frequently since most of the

extraction and purification.

the technique of choice for the

mycotoxins are not sufficiently

Depending on the mycotoxins

analysis of mycotoxins or for

volatile and, therefore, must be

to be analysed and the

confirmation of positive results by

derivatized, which increases the time

feed matrix, different

ELISA, as it is sensitive, reproducible,

and cost of analysis.

types of techniques such

accurate and has a higher degree of

as immunoaffinity columns

automation.

based preparations or other procedures based on solidliquid (Quechers, DMFS, etc.) or liquid-liquid (DLLME) extractions are used.

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) are two of the most commonly used

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methods for the detection and quantification of mycotoxins.

MASS SPECTROMETRY ABSORPTION AND EMISSION SPECTROMETRIC TECHNIQUES

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique for determining the distribution of molecules of a

The most widely used absorption

substance based on its mass.

and emission spectrometric techniques are ultraviolet (UV)

HPLC and GC/MS, apart from

and fluorescence (FL) detection,

having detection limit of <0.05

the latter being preferred when

ppm for many mycotoxins, also

mycotoxins exhibit natural

require expensive equipment and

fluorescence.

technical support.

LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY COUPLED TO A TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY DETECTOR Liquid chromatography coupled to a

Liquid chromatography combined

tandem mass spectrometry detector

with tandem mass spectrometry

(LC-MS/MS) LC-MS/MS based highly

(LC-MS / MS) is nowadays the

sensitive and selective methods, are

gold standard for the evaluation of

used for the analysis of mycotxoins

mycotoxins and the most reliable

and their metabolites at very low

way of their quantification.

concentrations and from complex biological samples. LC-MS/MS can analyse most of the mycotoxins, with increased sensitivity, precision and better assay reproducibility.

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