Myco-DES: Enabling Remote Extraction of Mycotoxins for Robust and Reliable Quantification by Stable Isotope Dilution...

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Mycotoxins pose a significant global health risk, particularly in regions with limited detection capabilities.
• Current mycotoxin quantification methods are often complex and expensive, hindering widespread analysis.
• Lack of accessible instrumentation is a major barrier to reliable mycotoxin detection in food commodities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective and accessible protocol for mycotoxin extraction and quantification.
• To enable remote sample collection and analysis by minimally trained personnel.
• To facilitate widespread mycotoxin screening in food safety programs.

Main Methods:

• A novel protocol combining dried blood spot analysis materials with stable isotope dilution analysis was developed.
• Mycotoxins (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol) were extracted from cereal-based foodstuffs.
• Samples were fixed on paper cards (myco-DES) for transport and re-extracted for quantification via LC-MS/MS.

Main Results:

• The myco-DES protocol successfully quantified aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and deoxynivalenol.
• Various materials and transport/storage conditions were evaluated for optimal performance.
• Quantification of safe mycotoxin levels was achieved after 4 weeks of storage under tropical conditions (40 °C, 75% RH).

Conclusions:

• The myco-DES protocol offers a practical solution for widespread mycotoxin analysis, reducing costs and complexity.
• This method allows for remote sample collection and analysis in specialized laboratories, enhancing global food safety.
• The protocol demonstrates stability under challenging environmental conditions, making it suitable for diverse geographical regions.