Comparison of methods for aflatoxin analysis by high-pressure liquid chromatography

Reversed-phase columns packed with octadecyl and phenyl reversed phases did not provide adequate separation of aflatoxins. A peculiar adsorption column provided partial separation, i.e. B1 and B2 from G1 andG2, but not B1 from B2 nor G1 from G2. A microparticulate adsorption (7icro-A) column completely separated aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2. Detection was more selective at 350 nm (or 365 nm) than at 254 nm. A Fluoro Monitor Model 1209 detector (Laboratory Data Control Corp.) was more sensitive for aflatoxins G1 and G2 than for B1 and B2. Aflatoxin B1 at the 30-ppb level in yellow corn was detected with the Micro-A column and the 350-nm photometer. The limit of detection was estimated at about 10 ppb.