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Characterization of Particle-Size-Based Homogeneity and Mycotoxin Distribution Using Laser Diffraction Particle Size
Kai Zhang1, Ivy Tran1, Steven Tan1
1Office of Regulatory Science, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740, USA.
Toxins
|July 28, 2023
Summary
Ensuring sample homogeneity is crucial for accurate mycotoxin analysis. Laser diffraction particle size analysis effectively evaluates laboratory sample homogeneity, confirming consistent mycotoxin concentrations when particle sizes are below 850 µm.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Food Safety
- Metrology
Background:
- Sample homogeneity is critical for representative mycotoxin analysis.
- Inconsistent particle size can lead to inaccurate test portion results.
- Standardized methods are needed to assess sample homogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate particle-size-distribution-based homogeneity of laboratory mycotoxin samples.
- To validate laser diffraction particle size analysis for assessing sample homogeneity.
- To determine the particle size threshold for consistent mycotoxin concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Comminution of incurred samples (corn, feed, peanut butter, flour) using various milling techniques.
- Subsampling using a sample dividing device.
- Laser diffraction particle size analysis with optimized parameters.
- Homogeneity assessment following ISO Guide 35:2017.
- Mycotoxin quantification using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
Main Results:
- Optimized laser diffraction procedure successfully characterized particle size distribution homogeneity.
- Mycotoxin concentrations were consistent across test portions when particle size measurements were < 850 µm.
- Analysis of variance (F-test) confirmed homogeneity for aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisins.
- Laser diffraction proved beneficial for evaluating homogeneity in diverse sample matrices.
Conclusions:
- Laser diffraction particle size analysis is a valuable tool for assessing laboratory sample homogeneity.
- Maintaining particle size below 850 µm ensures representative mycotoxin analysis.
- This method can be adopted for evaluating homogeneity in new sample commodities.
