Thin layer chromatographic method for determination of deoxynivalenol in wheat: collaborative study.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Chemistry
• Food Safety Analysis
• Mycotoxin Detection

Background:

• Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common mycotoxin found in cereals.
• Accurate and rapid detection of DON is crucial for ensuring food safety and quality.
• Existing methods for DON determination can be time-consuming and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To collaboratively study and validate a rapid method for deoxynivalenol determination in winter wheat.
• To assess the method's accuracy, precision, and reliability across multiple laboratories.
• To establish a robust analytical procedure for routine DON analysis.

Main Methods:

• Sample extraction using an acetonitrile-water mixture (84:16 v/v).
• Cleanup of extracts utilizing a disposable column containing charcoal, Celite, and alumina.
• Detection via thin-layer chromatography after spraying with aluminum chloride solution.

Main Results:

• Average recoveries of DON ranged from 78% to 96%.
• Repeatability and reproducibility values were within acceptable limits (30-64% and 33-87%, respectively).
• The method demonstrated no false positives and successfully detected DON at levels of 300 ng/g and higher.

Conclusions:

• The developed rapid method is reliable and effective for deoxynivalenol determination in winter wheat.
• The method's performance was confirmed through a collaborative study involving 15 analysts.
• This validated method has been adopted as an official first action method for DON analysis.