Mycotoxins Sample Preparation and Analysis

Importance of Topic

The analysis of mycotoxins in food, feed and environmental samples is critical for safeguarding public and animal health. Contaminants such as aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol pose chronic and acute risks, while regulatory limits demand highly sensitive, reliable and efficient analytical workflows. Advances in sample preparation and automation streamline laboratory throughput and support compliance with international standards.

Study Objectives and Overview

This overview presents strategies and products developed by LCTech GmbH for the automated and manual preparation and analysis of mycotoxins and related compounds. Key goals include:

• High specificity clean-up using immunoaffinity and solid phase extraction columns
• Miniaturized formats to reduce solvent consumption and processing time
• Integration of photochemical and post-column derivatisation to enhance detection sensitivity
• Automation platforms enabling continuous, unattended operation

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample clean-up relies on antibody-based columns designed for various mycotoxins and vitamins. Formats include standard (1 mL, 3 mL), Select (cost-optimized) and SMART (3 cm mini-columns for low solvent use). For deoxynivalenol and biotin, dedicated SPE and affinity columns ensure matrix removal and high recoveries.

Key analytical enhancements involve:

• Photochemical derivatisation reactor (UVE) for on-line conversion of aflatoxins B1 and G1 into fluorescent forms using water as reagent
• Post-column derivatisation system (PINNACLE PCX) for fumonisins, ochratoxin A and trichothecenes via specific reagents in flow

Used Instrumentation

• UVE Photochemical Reactor for on-line UV derivatisation at 254 nm
• PINNACLE PCX Post-column Derivatisation System with modular reactors
• EluVac Vacuum Manifold for parallel SPE operation (up to 20 samples)
• AcceCLEAN Automated SPE/IAC Processor for up to 30 columns in a single run
• FREESTYLE ThermELUTE™ Robotic Platform combining SMART IAC clean-up and direct HPLC injection
• FREESTYLE SPE Robotic System for pressurized SPE across multiple formats
• LCTech Photometer (450 nm) for rapid ELISA plate reading
• RP C18 HPLC columns and DURAN glass sample reservoirs for large volume collection

Main Results and Discussion

Extensive validation demonstrates consistently high recoveries across matrices:

• Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2: >90 % in nuts, cereals and spices
• Aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy: >90 % with standard and >80 % with SMART columns
• Ochratoxin A in coffee, cereals, wine: >90 %
• Deoxynivalenol in grains and pasta: 100 ± 8 %
• Biotin in supplements: >90 %

Automation platforms reduce hands-on time by 50–80 % and enable processing of up to 500 mycotoxin samples per week. SMART formats cut solvent use by over 80 % and accelerate clean-up to under 20 minutes per sample. Photochemical derivatisation and PINNACLE PCX sharply improve detection limits without hazardous reagents.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The integrated suite of columns and instruments offers:

• Regulatory compliance with EU, AOAC and ISO methods
• Scalable workflows from manual screening to fully robotic operation
• Reduced solvent costs and laboratory footprint
• Robust results in diverse and challenging matrices
• On-site rapid ELISA testing for ergots and vitamins

Routine use spans food safety laboratories, feed testing, pharmaceutical QC and environmental monitoring.

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging directions include further miniaturisation of immunoaffinity supports, integration of multi-analyte columns, coupling with high-resolution mass spectrometry and AI-driven data processing. Continuous flow derivatisation and novel affinity ligands will expand sensitivity and selectivity, while remote monitoring and IoT integration will enhance laboratory efficiency.

Conclusion

LCTech’s comprehensive portfolio of clean-up columns, derivatisation modules and automation platforms addresses critical needs in mycotoxin analysis. High throughput, robust recoveries and reduced resource consumption make these solutions valuable for modern analytical laboratories striving to meet stringent safety standards.

References

1. AOAC Official Method 2000.08, Aflatoxin M1 in Liquid Milk, Immunoaffinity Chromatography.
2. AOAC Official Method 2005.08, Aflatoxins in Corn and Peanuts.
3. EU Regulation 1881/2006 and 165/2010 on Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foodstuffs.
4. Reiter EV et al., 2009, Comparative Study of Aflatoxin Analysis by ELISA and HPLC, Mycotoxin Workshop.
5. PICKERING Laboratories PINNACLE PCX Manual for Post-column Derivatisation.