Investigation of mycotoxins in different beers with several clean-up techniques using the Mycotoxin Screening System

Significance of the Topic

Mycotoxins are fungal secondary metabolites with toxic and carcinogenic properties that can contaminate cereal grains and end up in derived products such as beer. Monitoring their levels in food and beverages is critical to protect public health and ensure compliance with regulatory limits set by the EU and other authorities.

Goals and Study Overview

This study evaluates the performance of the Shimadzu Mycotoxin Screening System for the simultaneous analysis of seven mycotoxins in beer: Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2; Ochratoxin A; Deoxynivalenol; and Nivalenol. Researchers aimed to develop a rapid, reliable, and easy-to-use workflow covering sample pretreatment, detection, and result reporting to verify compliance with European maximum residue levels (EUMRL).

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Sample Preparation: Three solid-phase cleanup cartridges (MultiSep 227 and MultiSep 228) were tested for efficient extraction and cleanup of mycotoxins from beer matrices.
• Instrument Setup: Analysis was performed on a Shimadzu i-series liquid chromatography system equipped with a photodiode array detector (LC-2040C 3D) and a fluorescence detector (Rf-20AXs).
• Analytical Conditions: Chromatographic separation and detection parameters were optimized to achieve sensitive and selective quantification. Calibration curves were constructed over a 2.5–25 µg/L concentration range, yielding linearity coefficients (R2) ≥ 0.97.

Main Results and Discussion

• Detection Limits: Limits of quantification for all target mycotoxins met or exceeded European regulatory requirements.
• Recovery and Identification: Spiked beer samples showed clear chromatographic peaks for each analyte using PDA and fluorescence detection modes. Differences between two batches of the same beer brand were observed but remained below EU limits.
• Calibration and Linearity: Calibration curves demonstrated robust linear responses across the tested concentration range, confirming the method’s quantitative reliability.

Practical Benefits and Applications

The proposed workflow offers a streamlined solution for mycotoxin screening in beverages:

• Speed: Rapid sample cleanup and analysis reduce turnaround time.
• Simplicity: Ready-to-use cartridges and built-in reporting tools facilitate method implementation in quality-control laboratories.
• Compliance: Achieves the sensitivity required to monitor mycotoxins at levels below regulatory thresholds.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Extension to Other Matrices: Adapting the workflow for additional food and beverage samples such as wine, juices, and processed cereals.
• Automation: Integration with robotic sample handlers to further improve throughput and reproducibility.
• Multiplexed Detection: Development of multi-analyte assays to broaden the range of monitored contaminants in a single run.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu Mycotoxin Screening System provides a fast, accurate, and user-friendly approach for the simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins in beer. The workflow meets regulatory requirements and can be readily integrated into routine quality-control operations.

Used Instrumentation

• Shimadzu i-series liquid chromatograph (LC-2040C 3D)
• Shimadzu Rf-20AXs fluorescence detector
• MultiSep 227 and MultiSep 228 solid-phase extraction cartridges

References

• European Food Safety Authority. Aflatoxins—scientific information. EFSA Topics.
• EU Commission Regulation (EC) No 165/2010 and No 105/2010 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 on mycotoxin limits in foodstuffs.