Analysis of fumonisins B(1), B(2) and B(3) in corn-based baby food by pressurized liquid extraction and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive and reliable method using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and liquid chromatography (LC)/electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry with a triple quadrupole (QqQ) analyzer has been developed for the analysis of fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)), fumonisin B(2) (FB(2)) and fumonisin B(3) (FB(3)) in corn-based baby foods. Influence of several extraction parameters that affect PLE efficiency such as temperature, pressure, solvent extraction, number of cycles and dispersant/clean-up agents were studied. The selected PLE operating method was: 3g of sample was packed into 11 ml stainless-steel cell and fumonisins were extracted with methanol at 40 degrees C, 34 atm in one cycle of 5 min at 60% flush. The analytes were ionized in ESI operating with positive ion mode and identified by selecting two monitoring transitions, permitting quantification and confirmation in a single injection. Recoveries ranged from 68% to 83% at fortification levels of 200 microg kg(-1) with relative standard deviation (RSD) from 4% to 12%. The limits of quantification were from 2 microg kg(-1) for FB(1) and FB(2), and 5 microg kg(-1) for FB(3), which are below the maximum residue level established by the European Union legislation in infant formulas. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of twenty seven samples of baby food products collected from different markets, and one positive sample with a content of 15.9 microg kg(-1) for FB(1), 9.2 microg kg(-1)for FB(2) and 5.8 microg kg(-1) for FB(3) was obtained. Given the simplicity and potential of the proposed procedure, its application for safety control is recommended.     

Combined synthetic/CD strategy for the stereochemical assignment of the tricarballylic acid side chains of fumonisin B(1)

The circular dichroism (CD) exciton chirality method was employed for the stereochemical assignment of the tricarballylic acid (TCA) side chains of fumonisin B(1) 1a (FB(1)). Using 2-naphthoate for chromophoric derivatization of the reduced TCA moieties, the absolute configuration was shown to be R. For additional confirmation, an optically active dihydroxy-tert-butanoate 2 related to the TCA group of fumonisin B(1) was synthesized to serve as a model compound.     

Rapid determination of fumonisins in corn-based products by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

A simple, fast, and robust method was developed for the determination of fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2), and fumonisin B3 (FB3) in corn-based human food and animal feed (cornmeal). The method involves a single extraction step followed by centrifugation and filtration before analysis by ultra-performance liquid chromatographylelectrospray ionization (UPLC/ESI)-MS/MS. The LC/MS/MS method developed here represents the fastest and simplest procedure (<30 min) among both conventional HPLC methods and other LC/MS methods using SPE cleanup. The potential for high throughput analysis makes the method particularly beneficial for regulatory agencies and analytical laboratories with a high sample volume. A single-laboratory validation was conducted by testing three different spiking levels (200, 500, and 1000 ng/g for FB1 and FB2; 100, 250, and 500 ng/g for FB3) for accuracy and precision. Recoveries of FB1 ranged from 93 to 98% with RSD values of 3-8%. Recoveries of FB2 ranged from 104 to 108%, with RSD values of 2-6%. Recoveries of FB3 ranged from 94 to 108%, with RSD values of 2-5%.     

Determination of type B fumonisin mycotoxins in maize and maize-based products by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry using a QqQlinear ion trap mass spectrometer

A sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for determining the type B fumonisin mycotoxins in corn-based foodstuffs is described. Fumonisins FB1 and FB2 were extracted from a 1 g sample by homogenization with acetonitrile/water (75:25, v/v, 50 mmol/L formic acid, 25 mL final volume) and the extract was defatted on C18 phase. Volumes of 5 mL of crude extracts were cleaned up on Carbograph-4 cartridges. The final solution was analyzed by HPLC with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring with a QqQ linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Recoveries for spiked corn-based foodstuffs ranged from 91-105% (RSD% < or =8%), and method detection limits were < or =2 ng/g for FB1 and < or =1 ng/g for FB2. Two different spiking levels were tested (5000 and 100 ng/g for FB1, 1000 and 20 ng/g for FB2). Quantitation was achieved by an external calibration procedure using matrix-matched standards, with diclofenac added post-cleanup as internal standard for the LC/MS/MS analyses. Calibration curves showed linearity in the concentration range 0.005-5 ng/microL of final extract (0.992 < or = R2< or =0.995). Two other fumonisins, FB3 and FB4, were identified in naturally contaminated samples of corn meal using an information-dependent acquisition protocol that looped three experiments, including neutral loss scan, enhanced resolution scan, and enhanced product ion scan. FB3 and FB4 quantitation was estimated as peak area ratios relative to the FB2 response in view of the lack of both standards. This work also includes an application of the present LC/MS/MS method to some maize and maize-based product samples (corn meal, cornflakes and popcorn) collected from Italian stores. FB1 and FB2 contamination levels exceeding the European Union recommendation were found in 8 out of 15 corn meal samples.     

Separation and quantification of lignans in Phyllanthus species by a simple chiral densitometric method

A sensitive, selective, and robust high-performance TLC (HPTLC) method using chiral TLC plates for qualitative and quantitative analysis of phyllanthin (A), hypophyllanthin (B), niranthin (C), and nirtetralin (D), the active lignans of Phyllanthus species, was developed and validated. The effectiveness and role of various stationary phases viz TLC silica gel 60F(254), HPTLC silica gel 60F(254), and chiral TLC plates in the quantitation were evaluated. A precoated chiral TLC plate was found suitable for the simultaneous analysis of four pharmacologically active lignans. For achieving good separation, the optimized mobile phase of n-hexane/acetone/1,4-dioxane (9:1:0.5 by volume) was used (R(f) = 0.30, 0.36, 0.41, and 0.48 for compounds A, B, C, and D, respectively). A densitometric determination of the above compounds was carried out in reflection/absorption mode at 620 nm. Optimized chromatographic conditions provide well-separated compact bands for the tested lignans. The calibration curves were found linear in the concentration range of 100-500 ng/band. Recoveries of A-D were 99.98, 100.51, 99.22, and 98.74%, respectively. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines. The method reported here is reproducible and applied for the quantitative analysis of the above lignans in the leaves of four Phyllanthus species, i. e., P. amarus, P. maderaspatensis, P. urinaria, and P. virgatus.     

Development of a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of fumonisin B1, B2 and B3 in cornflakes

A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the determination of fumonisin B1 (FB1), B2 (FB2) and B3 (FB3) in cornflakes is described. During method development, special attention was paid to the selection of a suitable internal standard (IS) in order to offer a good alternative for deuterated FB1. In this respect, the C12-sphinganine analogue (2S,3R)-2-aminododecane-1,3-diol was chosen because of its structural similarity to the fumonisin backbone and its chromatographic elution between the target analytes. For the extraction of the fumonisins from the cornflakes matrix, MeOH/H2O (adjusted to pH 4 with 0.1 M HCl; 70:30, v/v), ACN/MeOH/H(2)O (25:25:50, v/v/v) and acidified ACN/MeOH/H2O (25:25:50, v/v/v; pH 4) were evaluated. Preference was given to acidified MeOH/H2O (70:30, v/v) with mean recoveries (n=12) for FB1, FB2 and FB3 of, respectively, 84+/-10, 78+/-7 and 85+/-9%. Cleanup was performed using immunoaffinity columns (FumoniTest, VICAM). The chromatography was performed under isocratic conditions at a flow of 0.3 mL min-1 with a mobile phase consisting of ACN/H2O (60:40, v/v) containing 0.3% formic acid. The mass spectrometer was operated in the positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). An intralaboratory validation was conducted with fortified samples determining limits of detection (LOD), limits of quantification (LOQ), precision, trueness, specificity and measurement uncertainty. The LOD concentrations for FB1, FB2 and FB3 were 20, 7.5 and 12.5 microg/kg. The LOQs were 40 microg/kg for FB1, 15 microg/kg for FB2 and 25 microg/kg for FB3. The coefficients of variation (CVs) under repeatability conditions varied from 11 to 13% for FB1, from 9 to 14% for FB2 and from 7 to 10% for FB3. Under within-laboratory reproducibility conditions, the CVs ranged from 12 to 17% for FB1, from 9 to 16% for FB2 and from 7 to 13% for FB3. The percent bias for FB1 varied from -12 to -10%, while for FB2 and FB3 bias ranged, respectively, from -4 to -2% and from -12 to -5%. The expanded measurement uncertainties for FB1, FB2 and FB3 were, respectively, 19, 18 and 22%.     

柱后衍生-高效液相色谱法测定玉米中伏马菌素B1和B2

建立了邻苯二甲醛(OPA)柱后衍生-高效液相色谱测定玉米中伏马菌素B1和B2(FB1和FB2)的方法。采用ZORBAX SB-C18色谱柱,以0.1 mol/L磷酸二氢钠溶液(pH 3.3)-甲醇为流动相,梯度洗脱。流动相流速为0.8 mL/min,柱温40 ℃;衍生剂的流速为0.4 mL/min,衍生温度为室温。实验对衍生剂缓冲液的pH、衍生剂的浓度和流速、激发和发射波长等重要条件进行了优化。结果表明,衍生剂的pH在10.5、OPA的质量浓度为2 g/L、流速为0.4 mL/min、激发波长335 nm、发射波长440 nm时测定效果良好,FB1、FB2在0.2～20 mg/L范围内线性关系良好,相关系数大于0.999; FB1和FB2的检出限均为0.02 mg/kg;在0.1～ 4.0 mg/kg范围内,3个添加水平的平均回收率为82.5%～89.8%。该方法精确、简单、快速,适合玉米中FB1和FB2的测定。     

Monitoring and fast detection of mycotoxin-producing fungi based on headspace solid-phase microextraction and headspace sorptive extraction of the volatile metabolites

Solid phase microextraction in combination with capillary GC-MS was used as monitoring technique for the collection and detection of the fungal volatile metabolite (+)-aristolochene by sporulated surface cultures of Penicillium roqueforti. A comparison was made between different toxigenic and nontoxigenic strains of P. roqueforti. Different growth conditions and media, such as malt extract agar, potato dextrose agar and sabouraud dextrose agar were compared. Whereas toxigenic strains produced large amounts of (+)-aristolochene, beta-elemene, valencene and germacrene A, nontoxigenic P. roqueforti strains showed a remarkably different headspace profile, in which ethyl-2-hexenoate, E-beta-caryophyllene, aromadendrene and beta-patchoulene were the predominant volatiles, apart from other sesquiterpene hydrocarbons present at lower concentrations. Stir bar sorptive extraction, was also applied in the headspace sampling mode, i.e. headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) for the enrichment of fungal volatiles from sporulated surface cultures to differentiate between toxigenic and nontoxigenic fungi. Hence, it can be concluded that headspace analysis of volatile fungal metabolites by SPME and HSSE in combination with capillary GC-MS is a suitable monitoring technique for the fast detection of mycotoxin producing fungi.     

A reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of fumonisins B1 and B2 in food and feed using monolithic column and positive confirmation by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

The development of a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography fluorescence method for the determination of the mycotoxins fumonisin B(1) and fumonisin B(2) by using silica-based monolithic column is described. The samples were first extracted using acetonitrile:water (50:50, v/v) and purified by using a C(18) solid phase extraction-based clean-up column. Then, pre-column derivatization for the analyte using ortho-phthaldialdehyde in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol was carried out. The developed method involved optimization of mobile phase composition using methanol and phosphate buffer, injection volume, temperature and flow rate. The liquid chromatographic separation was performed using a reversed phase Chromolith(?) RP-18e column (100 mm × 4.6 mm) at 30 °C and eluted with a mobile phase of a mixture of methanol and phosphate buffer pH 3.35 (78:22, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min(-1). The fumonisins separation was achieved in about 4 min, compared to approximately 20 min by using a C(18) particle-packed column. The fluorescence excitation and emission were at 335 nm and 440 nm, respectively. The limits of detections were 0.01-0.04 μg g(-1) fumonisin B(1) and fumonisin B(2), respectively. Good recoveries were found for spiked samples (0.1, 0.5, 1.5 μg g(-1) fumonisins B(1) and B(2)), ranging from 84.0 to 106.0% for fumonisin B(1) and from 81.0 to 103.0% for fumonisin B(2). Fifty-three samples were analyzed including 39 food and feeds and 14 inoculated corn and rice. Results show that 12.8% of the food and feed samples were contaminated with fumonisin B(1) (range, 0.01-0.51 μg g(-1)) and fumonisin B(2) (0.05 μg g(-1)). The total fumonisins in these samples however, do not exceed the legal limits established by the European Union of 0.8 μg g(-1). Of the 14 inoculated samples, 57.1% contained fumonisin B(1) (0.16-41.0 μg g(-1)) and fumonisin B(2) (range, 0.22-50.0 μg g(-1)). Positive confirmation of selected samples was carried out using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, using triple quadrupole analyzer and operated in the multiple reaction monitoring mode.     

Isolation of experimental anti-AIDS glycerophospholipids by micro-preparative reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

The experimental anti-AIDS glycerophosphatidic acid: nucleoside (sn-1/sn-2 diacylglycerol:dideoxynucleotide) drugs 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine monophosphate diglyceride (AZT-MP-DG) and 2',3'-dideoxycytidine monophosphate diglyceride (ddC-MP-DG) were isolated and purified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The chromatographic separation was based on the glycerophospholipid moiety of the drugs and detection of the nucleoside component. The separations were optimized on method development columns packed with the stationary phase to be used in the micro-preparative column and monitored by a UV detector. Fractions were collected and analyzed for purity by analytical-scale HPLC and by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The purity of the recovered drugs based on UV and light-scattering detection and on TLC was greater than 99%. The purified compounds were isolated for studies on structure confirmation, physical, biophysical and formulation properties and anti-HIV efficacy in culture.     

膜基质免疫分析法同时检测玉米中伏马菌素B1和呕吐毒素

建立了基于聚偏氟乙烯膜(Polyvinylidene fluoride,PVDF)基质的直接竞争免疫分析法,同时检测玉米中的伏马菌素B1(Fumonisin B1,FB1)及呕吐毒素(Deoxynivalenol,DON)。PVDF膜用甲醇浸湿、激活,用移液器将FB1及DON全抗原点阵于相应的膜反应区,同时采用三聚氰氯法和高碘酸钠法分别制备抗FB1、抗DON的辣根过氧化酶(Horseradish peroxidase,HRP)标抗体(monoclonal antibody,McAb),以直接竞争免疫检测方法的模式实现同时检测玉米中的FB1及DON。该方法对于FB1和DON的检出限分别为2.5和50μg/L,样品前处理简单,检测时间15 min,可肉眼辨别结果,随机检测了30份市售玉米样品,并与市售ELISA试剂盒进行方法学比较,结果无明显差异。     

Separation of Fumonisins by OPLC

JPC – Journal of Planar Chromatography – Modern TLC - Fumonisins were produced by six strains of Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium proliferatum on inoculated rice culture. For study of...     

二氯菊酸类杀虫剂光学纯度分析方法的研究

报道了旋光性的顺式－2，2－二甲基－3－（2，2－二氯乙烯基）环丙烷羧酸（谷称顺式二氯菊酸）类杀虫剂光学纯度的色谱分析方法。光学活性杀虫剂的顺式－2，2－二甲基－3－（2，2－二氯乙烯基）环丙烷羧酸先与氯化亚砜生成酰氯，一财与S（－）－a-甲基苄胺作用，生成顺式－2，2－二氯－3－异丁烯基环丙烷羧酸非对映异构体的酰胺，经薄层色谱纯，用高效液相色谱进行分析，即可确定中间体的光学纯度。光学纯度一定的中间体经合成至最终产物，其光学纯度保持不变。     

Spectroscopic investigations of Nd(3+)-doped alkali chloroborophosphate glasses

Optical absorption spectra were studied in wavelength region 400-900 nm for the Nd(3+)-doped alkali (R = Li, Na and K) chloroborophosphate glasses at room temperature. The energy level scheme of the 4f(3) electron configuration was deduced from the observed energy level data using a parametrized Hamiltonian (H(F1)) model which includes 20 free-ion interaction parameters. Reasonable correlation was obtained between the experimental and calculated energy levels. The Judd-Ofelt model for the intensity analysis of induced electric dipole transitions has been applied to the measured oscillator strengths of the absorption bands to determine the three phenomenological intensity parameters Omega(2), Omega(4) and Omega(6) for each glass. Using these parameters, the total radiative transition rates (A(T)), non-radiative relaxation rates (W(NR)), branching ratios (beta(R)), integrated cross-sections for the stimulated emission (Sigma), excited state emission intensities (f(ESE)) and excited state absorption intensities (f(ESA)) have been theoretically calculated for certain excited Nd(3+) fluorescent levels. From the results obtained, the conclusion is made about the possibility of using these glasses as laser media.     

Preparation and characterization of [Hg[P(C6F5)2]2], [Hg[(mu-P(C6F5)2)W(CO)5]2], and [Hg[(mu-P(CF3)2)W(CO)5]2] and the X-ray crystal structure of [Hg[(mu-P(C6F5)2)W(CO)5]2].2DMF

The thermally unstable compound [Hg[P(C(6)F(5))(2)](2)] was obtained from the reaction of mercury cyanide and bis(pentafluorophenyl)phosphane in DMF solution and characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The thermally stable trinuclear compounds [Hg[(mu-P(CF(3))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)] and [Hg[(mu-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)] are isolated and completely characterized. The higher order NMR spectra exhibiting multinuclear satellite systems have been sufficiently analyzed. [Hg[(mu-P(CF(3))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)].2DMF crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 2366.2(3) pm, b = 1046.9(1) pm, c = 104.0(1) pm, and beta = 104.01(1) degrees. Structural, NMR spectroscopic, and vibrational data prove a weak coordination of the two DMF molecules. Structural, vibrational, and NMR spectroscopic evidence is given for a successive weakening of the pi back-bonding effect of the W-P bond in the order [W(CO)(5)PH(R(f))(2)], [Hg[(mu-P(R(f))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)], and [W[P(R(f))(2)](CO)(5)](-) with R(f) = C(6)F(5) and CF(3). The pi back-bonding effect of the W-C bonds increases vice versa.     

Synthesis of 2-perfluoroalkyl 4H- and 2H-chromenylphosphonates mediated by amines and phosphines

An efficient synthesis of 2-perfluoroalkyl 4H-chromen-3-ylphosphonates 4a-i (R(F) = CF(3)) and 5a-i (R(F) = C(2)F(5)) has been accomplished via regioselective cycloaddition of 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes to diethyl 3,3,3-trifluoropropyn-1-yl- and diethyl 3,3,4,4,4-pentafluorobutyn-1-ylphosphonate, using trialkyl amines or phosphines as mediators. 2H-Chromen-3-ylphosphonates 6a-i were regioselectively obtained in the presence of triphenylphosphine. A convenient method for the isomerization of 4H-chromen-3-ylphosphonates into 2H-chromen-3-ylphosphonates 6a-i (R(F) = CF(3)) and 7a-i (R(F) = C(2)F(5)) was established.     

Biodegradation of bisphenol a by fungi

The biologic degradation of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (bisphenol A [BPA]; 1) was studied with 26 fungi. An initial BPA concentration of 40 ppm in an aqueous solution was degraded in the dark for 14 d. Among the 26 strains tested, 11 degraded BPA at 50% or more. Furthermore, four strains (F. sporotrichioides NFRI-1012, F. moniliforme 2-2, A. terreus MT-13, and E. nidulans MT-98) were more effective for degradation of BPA.     

First Resolution of a Free Secondary Phosphine Chiral at Phosphorus and Stereospecific Formation and Structural Characterization of a Homochiral Secondary Phosphine-Borane Complex

The R(P) diastereomer of (-)-menthylmesitylphosphine, (R(P))-1, has been isolated with high configurational purity at phosphorus by fractional crystallization of an (R(P))-1/(S(P))-1 = 43/57 mixture from acetonitrile containing a trace of sodium acetylacetonate as a proton scavenger or by deboranation of the corresponding borane complex (S(P))-2 with diethylamine, thereby effecting the first resolution of a secondary phosphine chiral at phosphorus. The crystal and molecular structure of (S(P))-2 has been determined. The ready isolation of (S(P))-2 of 97% diastereomeric purity in 66% yield from an equilibrium (R(P))-2/(S(P))-2 = 28/72 mixture in n-hexane by second-order asymmetric transformation and its quantitative and stereospecific conversion under mild conditions into (R(P))-1 of similar purity augurs well for the future of the resolved secondary phosphines in stereoselective syntheses.     

Determination of fumonisin B1 in botanical roots by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection: single-laboratory validation

The accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility characteristics of a published method for measuring levels of fumonisin B1 (FB1) in botanical root products were determined by an AOAC single-laboratory validation procedure. Replicates of 10 test portions of each powdered root product (black cohosh, echinacea, ginger, ginseng, valerian, dong quai, and turmeric) at each spiking level (FB1 at 0, 50, 100, and 200 ng/g) were analyzed on 3 separate days. Test samples were extracted with methanol-acetonitrile-water (25 + 25 + 100, v/v/v). The extracts were centrifuged, the supernatants diluted with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 1% Tween 20 and filtered, and the filtrates applied to an immunoaffinity column containing antibodies specific for fumonisins. After the column was washed sequentially with PBS and water, the toxin was eluted from the column with 80% methanol, and the eluate dried by lyophilization. The residue was reconstituted with 50% acetonitrile. FB1 was derivatized with a mixture of o-phthaldialdehyde and mercaptoethanol by using an LC autoinjector. Separations were performed with an RP-LC column, and the FB1 derivative was quantified by fluorescence detection. All root products were found to contain FB1 at <10 ng/g. Average within- and between-day recoveries of FB1 from the botanical roots ranged from 67 to 95% and from 68 to 100%, respectively. Total RSD values for within- and between-day repeatability ranged from 5.5 to 26.4%. HorRat values were <1.3 for all of the matrixes examined. The method meets the AOAC method performance criteria at levels of >50 ng/g for the seven botanical roots tested.     

Development of a new analytical method for the determination of fumonisins B1 and B2 in food products based on high performance liquid chromatography and fluorimetric detection with post-column derivatization

A sensitive and selective analytical method was developed for the quantitative determination of fumonisins B(1) and B(2) in maize-based foods for direct human consumption. The method, based on high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection, presents a rapid and automated on-line post-column derivatization, performed with o-phtalaldehyde and N,N-dimethyl-2-mercaptoethylamine. Several factors affecting the separation and detection of fumonisins were investigated, including mobile phase composition, column features, derivatization agent flow-rate and both the excitation and the emission wavelengths. Optimal fluorescence detection was obtained by using a lambda(exc) of 343 nm and a lambda(em) of 445 nm. Under the optimized experimental conditions, a complete separation of fumonisins was obtained in less than 13 min by using a C(18) column and a gradient elution at 0.8 mL/min with methanol and 0.1M phosphate buffer at pH 3.15. The limits of detection for FB(1) and FB(2) were 4 and 5 microg/L corresponding to 5 and 6 microg/kg in matrix. Each fumonisin was determined in the range 40-320 microg/L that correspond to 50-400 microg/kg in matrix. The necessary requirements for accuracy, reproducibility and sensitivity were fulfilled and recovery values ranged from 87 to 94% for FB(1) and from 70 to 75% for FB(2) in cornflake samples at three fortification levels in the range 100-300 microg/kg. The potential of this method, combined with a simple clean-up procedure, was assessed by the measurements of FB(1) and FB(2) in maize-based products, such as maize flour, "polenta", tortillas and cookies.