The state-of-the-art in the analysis of type-A and -B trichothecene mycotoxins in cereals

The aim of this review is to describe the state-of-the-art in the analysis of A- and B-trichothecene mycotoxins in cereals and to support knowledge and experience exchange between laboratories in the field of Fusarium mycotoxin analysis. Current screening tests and quantitative methods for the most prevalent type-A and -B trichothecenes, HT-2 and T-2-toxin, and deoxynivalenol (DON) are reviewed. This includes the extraction and clean-up procedures and chromatographic methods (TLC, HPLC, GC) applied and the immunochemical methods, especially enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), employed for the determination of these mycotoxins. Results from recent intercomparison studies of the determination of DON are also discussed. Experience gained during these intercomparisons clearly shows the need for further improvement in the determination of trichothecenes, to obtain more accurate and comparable results. This also indicates there is a strong need for the development of further certified reference materials (CRM) which would enable comparison of measurement results between different European laboratories for several A- and B-trichothecenes. For both A- and B-trichothecenes there is still a lack of simple and reliable screening methods enabling the rapid detection of these mycotoxins at low cost.     

Automated regenerable microarray-based immunoassay for rapid parallel quantification of mycotoxins in cereals

An automated flow-through multi-mycotoxin immunoassay using the stand-alone Munich Chip Reader 3 platform and reusable biochips was developed and evaluated. This technology combines a unique microarray, prepared by covalent immobilization of target analytes or derivatives on diamino-poly(ethylene glycol) functionalized glass slides, with a dedicated chemiluminescence readout by a CCD camera. In a first stage, we aimed for the parallel detection of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisins in cereal samples in a competitive indirect immunoassay format. The method combines sample extraction with methanol/water (80:20, v/v), extract filtration and dilution, and immunodetection using horseradish peroxidase-labeled anti-mouse IgG antibodies. The total analysis time, including extraction, extract dilution, measurement, and surface regeneration, was 19 min. The prepared microarray chip was reusable for at least 50 times. Oat extract revealed itself as a representative sample matrix for preparation of mycotoxin standards and determination of different types of cereals such as oat, wheat, rye, and maize polenta at relevant concentrations according to the European Commission regulation. The recovery rates of fortified samples in different matrices, with 55–80 and 58–79 %, were lower for the better water-soluble fumonisin B1 and deoxynivalenol and with 127–132 and 82–120 % higher for the more unpolar aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, respectively. Finally, the results of wheat samples which were naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol were critically compared in an interlaboratory comparison with data obtained from microtiter plate ELISA, aokinmycontrol® method, and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and found to be in good agreement.

Multiplex dipstick immunoassay for semi-quantitative determination of Fusarium mycotoxins in cereals

A multiplex dipstick immunoassay based method for the simultaneous determination of major Fusarium toxins, namely zearalenone, T-2 and HT-2 toxins, deoxynivalenol and fumonisins in wheat, oats and maize has been developed. The dipstick format was based on an indirect competitive approach. Four test lines (mycotoxin–BSA conjugates) and one control line were located on the strip membrane. Labelled antibodies were freeze-dried within the microwell. Two matrix-related sample preparation protocols have been developed for wheat/oats (not containing fumonisins) and maize (containing fumonisins) respectively. The use of a methanol/water mixture for sample preparation allowed recoveries in the range 73–109% for all mycotoxins in all tested cereals, with relative standard deviation less than 10%. The optimized immunoassay was able to detect target mycotoxins at cut off levels equal to 80% of EU maximum permitted levels, i.e. 280, 400, 1400 and 3200 μg kg⁻¹, respectively, for zearalenone, T-2/HT-2 toxins, deoxynivalenol and fumonisins in maize, and 80, 400 and 1400 μg kg⁻¹, respectively, for zearalenone, T-2/HT-2 toxins and deoxynivalenol in wheat and oats. Analysis of naturally contaminated samples resulted in a good agreement between multiplex dipstick and validated confirmatory LC–MS/MS. The percentage of false positive results was less than or equal to 13%, whereas no false negative results were obtained. Data on the presence/absence of 6 mycotoxins at levels close to EU regulatory levels were obtained within 30 min. The proposed immunoassay protocol is rapid, inexpensive, easy-to-use and fit for purpose of rapid screening of mycotoxins in cereals.     

Novel approaches in analysis of Fusarium mycotoxins in cereals employing ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry

Rapid, simple and cost-effective analytical methods with performance characteristics matching regulatory requirements are needed for effective control of occurrence of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal-based products to which they might be transferred during processing. Within this study, two alternative approaches enabling retrospective data analysis and identification of unknown signals in sample extracts have been implemented and validated for determination of 11 major Fusarium toxins. In both cases, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (U-HPLC) coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (HR MS) was employed. ¹³C isotopically labeled surrogates as well as matrix-matched standards were employed for quantification. As far as time of flight mass analyzer (TOF-MS) was a detection tool, the use of modified QuEChERS (quick easy cheap effective rugged and safe) sample preparation procedure, widely employed in multi-pesticides residue analysis, was shown as an optimal approach to obtain low detection limits. The second challenging alternative, enabling direct analysis of crude extract, was the use of mass analyzer based on Orbitrap technology. In addition to demonstration of full compliance of the new methods with Commission Regulation (EC) No. 401/2006, also their potential to be used for confirmatory purposes according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC has been critically assessed.     

Quantification of estrogenic mycotoxins at the ng/L level in aqueous environmental samples using deuterated internal standards

Because of their pronounced estrogenicity, resorcyclic acid lactones (RALs) are of concern in aqueous environments even at the low ng/L level. Therefore, we developed an accurate, precise and sensitive HPLC-MS/MS method to detect these mycotoxins in different aqueous environmental samples. The compounds investigated included zearalenone (ZON), alpha- and beta-zearalenol, zearalanone as well as alpha- and beta-zearalanol. The use of isotope labelled internal standards (in this case deuterated RAL-analogues) ensured an accurate quantification of the target analytes, independent of matrix compounds interfering with the analytes during ionisation and analyte losses occurring during sample preparation. Sample enrichment was carried out by solid-phase extraction (SPE) using Supelclean Envi-18 cartridges. Absolute method recoveries for all analytes ranged from 95 to 108%, 70 to 102%, and 76 to 109%, method detection limits from 0.5 to 2.1 ng/L, 0.4 to 1.1 ng/L, and 0.8 to 12.4 ng/L and precision from 3 to 14%, 2 to 13% and 4 to 16% in drainage water, river water and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent, respectively. The method was applied to verify the emission of RALs from a Fusarium graminearum infested crop field into the drainage system. Zearalenone was present in drainage water in concentrations up to 30 ng/L. So far, none of the other five investigated compounds have been detected.     

HPLC--residue analysis of the herbicide pyridate in cereals

For many reasons residue analysis of plant protecting chemicals is becoming of increasing importance. The demand of modern trace analysis techniques is to detect significantly and sensitively values down to levels in the ppb range or even less. Aggravating circumstances are the complex multicomponent sample matrices out of whom the residue analysis has to be performed; theoretically thousands of compounds could be present and interferences with substances of interest are quite likely. One way to get around these difficulties is to employ multidimensional HPLC (MD-HPLC). A method using this invaluable analytical tool tracing Pyridate and its main metabolites in various plant extracts is presented. Based on a brief discussion about requirements of modern trace analysis HPLC in connection with column switching we designed an automatizable setup combining a weak anionexchanger (dimethylamine phase) with a reversed phase system handling relatively large aqueous sample volumes. Depending on specifically described sample pretreatment schemes detection limits down to 30 ppb are routinely obtained. At this level acceptable on-line UV-spectra can be obtained via inserting a spectrophotometric detector in a loop of a 6-port valve. The usefulness of the method described has been demonstrated by analysing several hundred samples.     

Analysis of trace levels of trichothecene mycotoxins in Austrian cereals by gas chromatography with electron capture detection

Summary Various analytical methods developed for trichothecene determination, including TLC, HPLC, GC, supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and enzyme immuno assay (EIA) are reviewed. In addition a new method is described for the simultaneous determination of the trichothecene mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-ADON), diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), T-2 toxin (T-2), HT-2 toxin (HT-2) and T-2 triol (TRIOL), in Austrian wheat and corn samples by GC-ECD. A clean-up procedure has been developed using a combination of liquid-liquid and liquid-solid extraction. Trichothecenes were detected as their heptafluorobuturyl esters or alternatively as trimethylsilyl ethers (only sensitive for deoxynivalenol and nivalenol) using nandrolone or chloramphenicol as internal standard. Four derivatization techniques using HFBI, HFBA+DMAP on polystyrene, TMSI and TMSI+BSA+TMCS have been studied and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. Quantification of trichothecenes from 10 to 1000 ppb in cereals could be accomplished routinely.Presented at the 19th ISC, Aix-en-Provence, France, September 13–18, 1992.     

Experimental design for in-house validation of a screening immunoassay kit. The case of a multiplex dipstick for Fusarium mycotoxins in cereals

The benefits of using rapid qualitative methods to verify compliance of food and feed with legislation requirements include user-friendly format, the possibility of detection without expensive instrumentation, rapid response and affordable price. Prior to their use, however, the methods have to pass validation experiments, in order to assess their performance profile. An experimental protocol for in-house validation of a screening immunoassay has been designed and applied to evaluate performance characteristics of a multiplex dipstick kit for the determination of major Fusarium toxins, namely zearalenone, T-2 and HT-2 toxins, deoxynivalenol and fumonisins in wheat and maize. The test is intended for screening of cereals on the presence/absence of these mycotoxins at maximum permitted levels established by European legislation or target levels. The response of the measurement is determined with a reader device. Samples classified as negative are considered as compliant, whereas positive samples need to be re-analysed with confirmatory methods. The in-house validation design consisted of three steps, namely (1) estimating the precision of the method including "between day" effects and influences from different varieties of the matrices, (2) establishing robust cutoff values for the dipstick response at target mycotoxin levels assuming an acceptable rate of false negative results of 5 % and (3) assessment of the rate of false positive results of blank samples and samples containing the target analytes below the legal limits. The total precision expressed as relative standard deviation and determined individually for each analyte/concentration/matrix combination varied from 9 to 30 % and was considered as acceptable. In 17 out of 28 cases, the repeatability standard deviation was the most important factor. The predominance of the repeatability compared to the other factors (matrix, days) was an indicator for the ruggedness of the assay. The validation study demonstrated that the test was able to differentiate blank samples from samples contaminated at target mycotoxin levels with a false positive rate lower than 6 %. Considering realistic mycotoxin occurrence in European samples, significant economical benefits can be expected when using the test under real-world conditions.

Analysis of multiple mycotoxins in cereals under ambient conditions using direct analysis in real time (DART) ionization coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry

Direct analysis in real time (DART) ionization coupled to an (ultra)high resolution mass spectrometer based on orbitrap technology (orbitrapMS) was used for rapid quantitative analysis of multiple mycotoxins isolated from wheat and maize by modified QuEChERS procedure. After initial evaluation of ionization efficiencies for major groups of mycotoxins achievable with DART technology, sample preparation procedure and instrument parameter settings were optimized to obtain sensitive and accurate determination of most intensively ionizing toxins (deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, zearalenon, actyldeoxynivalenol, deepoxy-deoxynivalenol, fusarenon-X, altenuene, alternariol, alternariolmethylether, diacetoxyscirpenol, sterigmatocystin). The lowest calibration levels (LCLs) estimated for the respective analytes ranged from 50 to 150 μg kg⁻¹. Quantitative analysis was performed either with the use of matrix-matched standards or by employing commercially available ¹³C-labeled internal standards (available for deoxynivalenol, nivalenol and zearalenon). Good recoveries (100-108%) and repeatabilities (RSD 5.4-6.9%) were obtained at spiking level 500 μg kg⁻¹ with isotope dilution technique. Based on matrix-matched calibration, recoveries and repeatabilities were in the range 84-118% and 7.9-12.0% (RSD), respectively. The trueness of data obtained for deoxynivalenol and zearalenon in wheat/maize by DART-orbitrapMS was demonstrated by analysis of certified reference materials (CRMs). Good agreement of these results with data generated by validated ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was documented.     

Volatilization of trichothecene mycotoxins for analysis

T-2 toxin and diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), two trichothecene mycotoxins containing one hydroxy group, have been volatilized by induction heating, revolatilized, and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and/or GC mass spectroscopy. Seventy to eighty percent of DAS was recovered by this system; 60–70% T-2 toxin was recovered. When the hydroxy group is derivatized by acetate, 90–100% recovery is obtained. Other trichothecenes of the macrocyclic ester type (e.g., Roridan A) were also tried. Ten to twenty percent of the macrocyclic ester was obtained without derivatization.     

Molecular quantum similarity analysis of estrogenic activity

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the capability of 120 aromatic chemicals to bind to the human alpha estrogen receptor (hER alpha) by the use of quantum similarity methods. The experimental data were segregated into two categories, i.e., those compounds with and without estrogenicity activity (active and inactive). To identify potential ligands, semiquantitative structure-activity relationships were developed for the complete set correlating the presence or lack of binding affinity to the estrogen receptor with structural features of the molecules. The structure-activity relationships were based upon molecular similarity indices, which implicitly contain information related to changes in the electron distributions of the molecules, along with indicator variables, accounting for several structural features. In addition, the whole set was split into several chemical classes for modeling purposes. Models were validated by dividing the complete set into several training and test sets to allow for external predictions to be made.     

食品中主要霉菌毒素分析方法的研究进展

食品中霉菌毒素的检测面临基质复杂、污染浓度水平低的困扰,研发选择性高、富集能力强的样品前处理方法和高灵敏的分析方法对于提升食品中霉菌毒素的检测能力、保障食品安全具有重要意义。该文综述了近年来食品中霉菌毒素分析方法的研究进展,并对其发展方向作总结和展望。     

GC-ITD analysis of chlortoluron and its metabolites in cereals

Summary Chlortoluron and its metabolites have been determined in cereals by gas chromatography. Chlortoluron is pyrolyzed to the corresponding phenylisocyanate, which is determined by GC with nitrogen-phosphorous detection (NPD) and confirmed by GC with ion trap detection (ITD).N-demethyl metabolites of chlortoluron are determined, after conversion to the perfluoroacyl derivatives, by GC with ion trap detection by single ion monitoring;N-ethyl-p-chloroacetanilide is used as internal standard. The hydroxymethyl metabolite, mainly present as -glucoside, can be analyzed, after enzymatic hydrolysis with -glucosidase and conversion to the ethyl derivative, by GC with ion trap detection by SIM;N-ethylchlortoluron is used as internal standard.The methods proposed are reproducible and sensitive enough for determination of these compounds at residue levels in cereals.     

Current methods of analysis for the determination of trichothecene mycotoxins in food

This article describes the trends in analytical techniques for the determination of trichothecene mycotoxins, namely deoxynivalenol, and T-2 and HT-2 toxins in cereals and cereal products with particular emphasis on screening and rapid approaches. The driving force behind the changing methodologies is mainly attributed to legislative demands. However, for commercial and governmental testing laboratories, the need to use validated official methods is ever increasing to ensure quality assurance of results.Much research has been undertaken to improve screening assays, highlighted by the number of new methods using a variety of formats and platforms, including optical and electrochemical biosensors. Significant advances in the traditional reference methods have also been demonstrated in addition to the emergence of a variety of commercial immunoaffinity and solid-phase extraction columns for clean up. The use of liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for mycotoxin detection is ever increasing, allowing simultaneous determination of many toxins in various sample matrices.     

Systematic analysis of mycotoxins by thin-layer chromatography.

The analysis of 37 mycotoxins and other fungal metabolites by thin-layer chromatography is described. Their R(F) values in eight solvent systems, colour reactions after chemical detection and detection under UV light are presented. From the R(F) values, "chromatographic spectra" which can be used as one of the characteristics for the characterization of unknown mycotoxins were constructed.     

Plasma-source mass spectrometry for speciation analysis: state-of-the-art

Current and emerging capabilities of plasma-source mass spectrometry (PS-MS) as it is employed for elemental speciation analysis are reviewed. Fundamental concepts and their advantageous aspects, experimental conditions, and analytical performance are described and illustrated by recent examples from the literature. Novel instrumentation, techniques, and strategies for inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), microwave-induced plasma (MIP) mass spectrometry, glow-discharge (GD) mass spectrometry, and electrospray ionization (ESI), among others, are described. The use of ionization sources that provide tunable ionization, others that can be modulated between different sets of operating conditions, and others used in parallel is also examined.     

Chromatographic analysis of mycotoxins on thin-layers of rice starch

Summary Chromatographic separation and UV detection of twelve mycotoxins on thin-layers of rice starch are presented. The effect of solvent systems on the fluorescence of mycotoxins and the mechanism of the chromatographic separation are described.     

Rapid test strips for analysis of mycotoxins in food and feed

An overview is given on recent trends and applications of rapid immunodiagnostic tests for screening of food and feed for mycotoxins. Different test formats are discussed, and challenges in the development of lateral-flow devices for on-site determination of mycotoxins, with requirements such as being robust, fast, and cost-effective, are briefly elucidated.     

Residue analysis by multicolumn liquid chromatography — Herbicides in cereals

Summary The application of multicolumn HPLC in the determination of residues of a new herbicide and its main metabolite in green plants, grains and straw of different cereals is demonstrated. The columns are combined on-line by column switching and UV-detection is used. Due to the high separation power of multidimensional liquid chromatography only a simple and fast sample pretreatment is required resulting in a detection limit of 10^–8 g/g.