Although Aspergillus (Aflatoxins,
Ochratoxin A) are generally associated with
peanuts and Fusarium (Deoxynivalenol , Zearalenone)
with wheat, these fungi and those that produce
other toxins are not host selective and so can
cross plant species. This situation is complicated
by the fact that the microscopic mold may not be
visible to the naked eye. Also, when infected
grains are processed, any visible mold is lost but
the toxic metabolites carry over into the finished
products. Thus, multi-residue analytical screens
for toxins in grain and finished goods are a wiser
choice than single-family protocols. We
present a single screen to cover five families of
toxins. This method is suitable for analyzing
beverages, grains and feeds.
Sample Preparation
An
aliquot of the beverage or extract is evaporated
to dryness to remove alcohol or any organic
solvent. The residue is reconstituted in a buffer
solution and (if needed) partitioned with Pentane
to remove fats. Load 5 mL of the aqueous solution
on a Vicam Afla/Don/Ocra/Zea/Fumo immunoaffinity
column. Wash the column with 3 mL of water. Toxins
are eluted with 3 mL of Methanol. The solution is
evaporated to dryness and reconstituted in
0.25-2.5 mL of Methanol.
