Developments in mycotoxin analysis: an update for 2020-2021

Abstract

This review summarises developments published in the period from mid-2020 to mid-2021 on the analysis of a number of diverse matrices for mycotoxins. Notable developments in all aspects of mycotoxin analysis, from sampling and quality assurance/quality control of analytical results, to the various detection and quantitation technologies ranging from single mycotoxin biosensors to comprehensive instrumental methods are presented and discussed. The summary and discussion of this past year’s developments in detection and quantitation technology covers chromatography with targeted or non-targeted high resolution mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, detection other than mass spectrometry, biosensors, as well as assays using alternatives to antibodies. This critical review aims to briefly present the most important recent developments and trends in mycotoxin determination, as well as to address limitations of the presented methodologies.

An Interlaboratory Comparison Study of Regulated and Emerging Mycotoxins Using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry: Challenges and Future Directions of Routine Multi-Mycotoxin Analysis including Emerging Mycotoxins

“…The majority of participating laboratories in this study measured the samples by using an LC-MS/MS configuration (9). One lab additionally measured the entire sample set with a high-resolution detector (Thermo Scientific Q-Exactive Plus).…”

“…Regulations in the EU are based on the evaluation of risk assessments (evaluation of hazard and exposure) while taking agriculturally achievable levels in food-and feedstuffs into account as well [4]. As highlighted by Tittlemier et al (2022), harmonization and verification strategies of standardized methods are of uppermost importance in order to guarantee a uniform application of regulations for mycotoxins [9].…”

E-Nose Technology for Mycotoxin Detection in Feed: Ready for a Real Context in Field Application or Still an Emerging Technology?

“…Chromatography with MS/MS is the reference method for mycotoxin analysis in regulated matrices and is almost routinely performed. Studies regarding the implementation of LC-MS/MS methods, application of chromatography with targeted and non-targeted high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), and optimisation of sample preparation for multi-mycotoxin analysis, including modified mycotoxins, have been reported in recent years [ 59 , 60 ].…”

“…ELISA assays meet the industrial needs in monitoring and surveillance programs as a “fit-for-purpose” tool. The development and validation of new ELISA and lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA) methods are still an area of great interest, including research on miniaturisation and multiplex new biosensors [ 59 , 60 ]. Among traditional method for mycotoxin detection, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is considered to be an effective screening method for mycotoxins [ 62 ].…”

Foreword

“…This current issue consists of seven articles, covering trichothecenes, aflatoxins, fumonisins as well as multiple mycotoxins and I wish you an interesting reading. As a former author of this series of articles, let me highlight the open access annual analytical method review (Tittlemier et al, 2022). The article discusses recent developments in the detection and quantitation of mycotoxins, covering chromatography with targeted or non-targeted highresolution mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, detection other than mass spectrometry, biosensors, as well as assays using alternatives to antibodies.…”