The Use of Biochip Array Technology for Rapid Multimycotoxin Screening

The main known groups of mycotoxins are aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, type A trichothecenes (T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin), type B trichothecenes (deoxynivalenol), and zearalenones. They are harmful to humans, domestic animals, and livestock. In Europe, maximum permitted limits for aflatoxin B1 are set, and guidance levels are recommended for the other mycotoxins. This study applied biochip array technology to semiquantitative multimycotoxin screening at different levels to facilitate the verification of the compliance of feed material with acceptable safety standards. This application was developed and validated based on European Commission Decision No. 2002/657/EC. After a single generic sample-preparation method, simultaneous competitive chemiluminescent immunoassays were used and applied to the Evidence Investigator analyzer. The r and within-laboratory R values showed low overall CVs (10.6 and 11.6%, respectively). Low matrix effect and, consequently, low decision limits and detection capabilities proved the high sensitivity of the technology. The overall average recovery was 104%. Samples (n = 16) investigated within the Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS) program showed excellent correlation to assigned values. FAPAS proficiency-testing feed samples (n = 10) were within the schemes' z-score ±2 range. The authentic feed samples survey showed excellent correlation with LC-MS/MS. This application is, therefore, reliable and represents an innovative, cost-effective, and multianalytical tool for mycotoxin screening.