Improved fluorometric-iodine method for determination of aflatoxin in corn

Area of Science:

• Food Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Mycotoxin Analysis

Background:

• Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi.
• Accurate and efficient detection of aflatoxins in food commodities like corn is crucial for public health and food safety.
• The original fluorometric-iodine (FL-I) method for aflatoxin determination required improvements in speed and convenience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present innovations that enhance the fluorometric-iodine (FL-I) method for determining aflatoxin in corn.
• To improve the speed and convenience of aflatoxin analysis.
• To provide a reliable method for quantifying aflatoxin B1.

Main Methods:

• Ground corn samples were analyzed using an improved fluorometric-iodine (FL-I) method.
• Aflatoxins were extracted from corn using methylene chloride.
• Sample cleanup was performed using Sep-Pak C18 cartridges.
• Thin layer chromatography (TLC) slide analysis was used for rapid confirmation (5 min).
• Quantification was achieved through fluorometric determination of the iodine derivative of aflatoxin B1.

Main Results:

• The innovations significantly increased the speed and convenience of the FL-I method for aflatoxin determination in corn.
• The method successfully confirmed the presence of aflatoxin using TLC.
• Fluorometric determination of the iodine derivative allowed for accurate quantification of aflatoxin B1.

Conclusions:

• The modified fluorometric-iodine (FL-I) method represents a substantial advancement for aflatoxin analysis in corn.
• The enhanced procedure is faster and more convenient than the original method.
• This improved method provides a reliable tool for detecting and quantifying aflatoxin B1 in corn samples, contributing to food safety.