FT-MIR-ATR Associated with Chemometrics Methods: A Preliminary Analysis of Deterioration State of Brazil Nut Oil

Brazil nut oil is highly valued in the food, cosmetic, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as other sectors of the economy. This work aims to use the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique associated with partial least squares regression (PLSR) and principal component analysis (PCA) to demonstrate that these methods can be used in a prior and rapid analysis in quality control. Natural oils were extracted and stored for chemical analysis. PCA presented two groups regarding the state of degradation, subdivided into super-degraded and partially degraded groups in 99.88% of the explained variance. The applied PLS reported an acidity index (AI) prediction model with root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) = 1.8564, root mean square error of cross-validation (REMSECV) = 4.2641, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) = 2.1491, R2cal (calibration correlation coefficient) equal to 0.9679, R2val (validation correlation coefficient) equal to 0.8474, and R2pred (prediction correlation coefficient) equal to 0, 8468. The peroxide index (PI) prediction model showed RMSEC = 0.0005, REMSECV = 0.0016, RMSEP = 0.00079, calibration R2 equal to 0.9670, cross-validation R2 equal to 0.7149, and R2 of prediction equal to 0.9099. The physical-chemical analyses identified that five samples fit in the food sector and the others fit in other sectors of the economy. In this way, the preliminary monitoring of the state of degradation was reported, and the prediction models of the peroxide and acidity indexes in Brazil nut oil for quality control were determined.

Simultaneous determination of multiple mycotoxins in corn and wheat by high efficiency extraction and purification based on polydopamine and ionic liquid bifunctional nanofiber mat

Due to the universality and harmfulness of mycotoxin co-contamination in cereals, it is of great significance to simultaneously monitor various mycotoxins co-polluted to ensure food safety and public health. In this work, a nanofiber mat modified by polydopamine and ionic liquid (PDA-IL-NFsM) was prepared and utilized as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) adsorbent for the simultaneous quantitative detection of multiple mycotoxins in corn and wheat. The PDA-IL-NFsM can form multiple retention mechanisms with the targets through hydrogen bond, π-π interaction, electrostatic or hydrophobic interaction, it shows favorable simultaneous adsorption performance (adsorption efficiency mostly higher than 88.27%) for fifteen mycotoxins in seven classes. Moreover, it can significantly reduce the matrix effect (lower than -13.69%), showing a good purification effect on the sample matrix. Based on the superior performance of PDA-IL-NFsM, a simple sample preparation method was established. The sample extract is simply diluted with water for SPE, and the eluent can be directly collected for ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis. The detection limit can reach 0.04-4.21 μg kg^-1, the recovery was 80.09%-113.01%, and the relative standard deviations of intra-day and inter-day precision were 2.80%-14.81% and 0.68%-13.80% respectively. The results show that the proposed method has good sensitivity, accuracy and precision, and has practical application potential.

Quantification of Ergot Alkaloids via Lysergic Acid Hydrazide-Development and Comparison of a Sum Parameter Screening Method

Ergot alkaloids are a group of mycotoxins occurring in products derived from various grasses (e.g., rye) and have been regulated in the EU recently. The new maximum levels refer to the sum of the six most common ergot alkaloids in their two stereoisomeric forms in different food matrices. Typically, these twelve compounds are individually quantified via HPLC-MS/MS or -FLD and subsequently summed up to evaluate food safety in a time-consuming process. Since all these structures share the same ergoline backbone, we developed a novel sum parameter method (SPM) targeting all ergot alkaloids simultaneously via lysergic acid hydrazide. After extraction and clean-up, in analogy to the current European standard method EN 17425 (ESM) for ergot alkaloid quantitation, the samples were derivatized by an optimized hydrazinolysis protocol, which allowed quantitative conversion after 20 min at 100 °C. The new SPM was evaluated against another established HPLC-FLD-based method (LFGB) and the HPLC-MS/MS-based ESM using six naturally contaminated rye and wheat matrix reference materials. While the SPM provided comparable values to the ESM, LFGB showed deviating results. Determined recovery rates, limits of detection and quantification of all three employed methods confirm that the new SPM is a promising alternative to the classical approaches for ergot alkaloid screening in food.

Mycotoxins in Raw Bovine Milk: UHPLC-QTrap-MS/MS Method as a Biosafety Control Tool

Mycotoxins are compounds produced by several fungi that contaminate agricultural fields and, either directly or by carry-over, final food products. Animal exposure to these compounds through contaminated feed can lead to their excretion into milk, posing threats to public health. Currently, aflatoxin M1 is the sole mycotoxin with a maximum level set in milk by the European Union, as well as the most studied. Nonetheless, animal feed is known to be contaminated by several groups of mycotoxins with relevance from the food safety point of view that can be carried over into milk. To evaluate the multi-mycotoxin occurrence in this highly consumed food product it is crucial to develop precise and robust analytical methodologies towards their determination. In this sense, an analytical method for the simultaneous identification of 23 regulated, non-regulated, and emerging mycotoxins in raw bovine milk using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was validated. A modified QuEChERS protocol for extraction purposes was used, and further validation was performed by assessing the selectivity and specificity, limits of detection and quantification (LOD and LOQ), linearity, repeatability, reproducibility, and recovery. The performance criteria were compliant with mycotoxin-specific and general European regulations for regulated, non-regulated, and emerging mycotoxins. The LOD and LOQ ranged between 0.001 and 9.88 ng mL−1 and 0.005 and 13.54 ng mL−1, respectively. Recovery values were between 67.5 and 119.8%. The repeatability and reproducibility parameters were below 15 and 25%, respectively. The validated methodology was successfully applied to determine regulated, non-regulated, and emerging mycotoxins in raw bulk milk from Portuguese dairy farms, proving the importance of widening the monitoring scope of mycotoxins in dairy products. Additionality, this method presents itself as a new strategic and integrated biosafety control tool for dairy farms for the analysis of these natural and relevant human risks.

A Novel Fluorescent Aptasensor Based on Dual-labeled DNA Nanostructure for Simultaneous Detection of Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin B1

Based on DNA strand replacement reaction and aptamer-specific recognition, a simple dual-labeled DNA nanostructure is designed for the simultaneous detection of Ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB₁). C1 is labeled with Cy3 and Cy5, while C2 and C3 are labeled with BHQ2. The fluorescence intensity of DNA nanostructure composed of C1, C2 and C3 is weak because of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. When OTA Aptamer (OTA-Apt) and AFB1 Aptamer (AFB₁-Apt) are added to the homogeneous system at the same time, C1 can be replaced with the help of toehold strand displacement, resulting in fluorescence enhancement. In the presence of both OTA and AFB₁, the toehold strand displacement reaction is inhibited due to preferential binding between the target and their corresponding aptamers. The limit of detection of OTA was 0.007 ng/mL and that of AFB₁ was 0.03 ng/mL. The recoveries of OTA and AFB₁ were 96%-101% and 97%-101% in the corn sample, and 99%-101% and 92%-106% in the wine sample. Compared with other sensors, the preparation of this aptasensor needs simpler experimental steps and a shorter total-preparing time, confirming the convenient, rapid, and time-saving operation process.

Comprehensive review on patulin and Alternaria toxins in fruit and derived products

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi, which can contaminate various food commodities, including fruits and their derived products. Patulin and Alternaria toxins are among the most commonly encountered mycotoxins in fruit and their derived products. In this review, the sources, toxicity, and regulations related to these mycotoxins, as well as their detection and mitigation strategies are widely discussed. Patulin is a mycotoxin produced mainly by the fungal genera Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Byssochlamys. Alternaria toxins, produced by fungi in the Alternaria genus, are another common group of mycotoxins found in fruits and fruit products. The most prevalent Alternaria toxins are alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME). These mycotoxins are of concern due to their potential negative effects on human health. Ingesting fruits contaminated with these mycotoxins can cause acute and chronic health problems. Detection of patulin and Alternaria toxins in fruit and their derived products can be challenging due to their low concentrations and the complexity of the food matrices. Common analytical methods, good agricultural practices, and contamination monitoring of these mycotoxins are important for safe consumption of fruits and derived products. And Future research will continue to explore new methods for detecting and managing these mycotoxins, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the safety and quality of fruits and derived product supply.

Eco-friendly 'ochratoxin A' control in stored licorice roots - quality assurance perspective

According to toxicity data, ochratoxin A (OTA) is the second most important mycotoxin and is produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium. As a natural antifungal agent, clove essential oil (CEO) is a substance generally recognised as safe (GRAS) and shows strong activity against fungal pathogens. Here, we aimed to investigate the control efficacy of CEO in nano-emulsions (CEN) against OTA production in licorice roots and rhizomes during storage. The experiments were performed under simulated conditions of all four seasons (i.e. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter). Relative humidity (RH) and temperature were simulated in desiccators along with various salt solutions in incubators. Fresh licorice roots were immersed in CEN at various concentrations (150, 300, 600, 1200 and 2400 µl/l). Before utilising the nano-emulsions, we measured their polydispersity index and mean droplet size by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique. Also, the chemical composition of the CEO was determined using GC and GC-MS analyses. Sampling was carried out to monitor OTA once every five days. The samples were dried immediately and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that various concentrations of CEN inhibited the growth of fungi and OTA production. The most effective CEN concentrations were 1200 and 2400 µl/l, which reduced OTA production to 19 and 20 ppb under Winter and Autumn conditions, respectively. These results suggest an effective eco-friendly method for the storage of licorice to reduce postharvest fungal decay.

Determination of Alternaria Toxins in Food by SPE and LC-IDMS: Development and In-House Validation of a Candidate Method for Standardisation

Alternaria toxins (ATs) are frequently found contaminants in foodstuffs (e.g., alternariol), often reaching high concentrations (e.g., tenuazonic acid). They can spoil a wide variety of food categories (e.g., cereals, vegetables, seeds and drinks) and storage at fridge temperatures does not prevent the growth of Alternaria fungi. Therefore, reliable and validated analytical methods are needed to protect human health and to ensure a transparent and fair trade. This paper describes new technical features that improved a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the analysis of ATs in tomato, wheat and sunflower seeds. This analytical method should be simple to implement in different laboratories across the EU and thus be an attractive candidate for standardisation. The major element for improvement was the use of isotopically labelled internal standards, only recently commercially available, thereby reducing the sample handling and improving the accuracy of the results. In addition, the sample extraction and the solid-phase extraction (SPE) enrichment/clean-up were fine-tuned, whereas a more suitable analytical column (XSelect HSS T3) with improved selectivity was also employed. Overall, this method shows adequate precision (repeatability < 5.7% RSD; intermediate precision < 7.0% RSD) and trueness (recoveries ranging from 74% to 112%). The limits of quantification in wheat (the most analytically demanding matrix) vary between 0.19 and 1.40 µg/kg. These figures were deemed satisfactory by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and have formed the basis for a subsequent interlaboratory validation study. The corresponding standard was published by CEN in 2021.

Detection, Contamination, Toxicity, and Prevention Methods of Ochratoxins: An Update Review

Ochratoxins (OTs) with nephrotoxic, immunosuppressive, teratogenic, and carcinogenic properties are thermostable fungal subordinate metabolites. OTs contamination can occur before or after harvesting, during the processing, packing, distribution, and storage of food. Mold development and mycotoxin contamination can occur in any crop or cereal that has not been stored properly for long periods of time and is subjected to high levels of humidity and temperature. Ochratoxin A (OTA) presents a significant health threat to creatures and individuals. There is also a concern of how human interaction with OTA will also express the remains of OTA from feedstuffs into animal-derived items. Numerous approaches have been studied for the reduction of the OTA content in agronomic products. These methods can be classified into two major classes: inhibition of OTA adulteration and decontamination or detoxification of food. A description of the various mycotoxins, the organism responsible for the development of mycotoxins, and their adverse effects are given. In the current paper, the incidence of OTA in various fodder and food materials is discussed, which is accompanied by a brief overview of the OTA mode of synthesis, physicochemical properties, toxic effects of various types of ochratoxins, and OTA decontamination adaptation methods. To our knowledge, we are the first to report on the structure of many naturally accessible OTAs and OTA metabolism. Finally, this paper seeks to be insightful and draw attention to dangerous OTA, which is too frequently neglected and overlooked in farm duplication from the list of discrepancy studies.

Assessment of Dietary Exposure to Ochratoxin A in Lebanese Students and Its Urinary Biomarker Analysis

The present study investigated the dietary and urinary OTA occurrence among 44 Lebanese children. Relying on HPLC-FLD analysis, OTA was found in all the urine samples and in 46.5% and 25% of the 24 h duplicate diet and dinner samples, respectively. The means of OTA levels in positive samples were 0.32 ± 0.1 ng/g in 24 h diet, 0.32 ± 0.18 ng/g in dinner and 0.022 ± 0.012 ng/mL in urines. These values corresponded to margin of exposure (MOE) means of 7907 ± 5922 (neoplastic) and 2579 ± 1932 (non-neoplastic) calculated from positive 24 h diet, while 961 ± 599 (neoplastic) and 313 ± 195 (non-neoplastic) calculated from the urine. Since the MOE levels for the neoplastic effect were below the limit (10,000), a major health threat was detected and must be addressed as a health institutions' priority. Besides, the wide difference between PDIs and MOEs calculated from food and urine suggests conducting further OTA's toxicokinetics studies before using urine to measure OTA exposure.

Interlaboratory collaboration to determine the performance of the Randox food diagnostics biochip array technology for the simultaneous quantitative detection of seven mycotoxins in feed

An inter-laboratory collaborative study was performed to evaluate the performance of the Biochip Array Technology (BAT) Myco 7 method. The Myco 7 Array is a method which simultaneously and quantitatively detects 20 mycotoxins including aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisin B1, B2 and B3 and T-2 and HT-2 toxin. The BAT Myco 7 method was collaboratively evaluated by nine government and private Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) laboratories. Samples were analysed in a proficiency testing round format. Seventeen blind samples were analysed on the same equipment using Myco 7 kits. 99% of the results fell within an acceptable Z-score range of -2|<Z<|+2. Deoxynivalenol had a 100% Z-score pass rate, while a 99% pass was recorded for aflatoxins, zearalenone, ochratoxin A and fumonisins. T-2 toxin had a 97% Z-score pass rate. HorRat analysis for reproducibility used a range of 0.3<|HorRat|≤2. The target was met for deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T-2 and HT-2 toxin, and aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 assays. Fumonisins and ochratoxin A assays had a 93% and 94% pass, respectively. The reproducibility co-efficiency of variation was between 16 and 20% meeting set criterion of <40% and is, therefore, fit-for-purpose for use in the AAFCO control programs for mycotoxins.

Shortened and multivalent aptamers for ultrasensitive and rapid detection of alternariol in wheat using optical waveguide sensors

Alternariol (AOH) is one of the common mycotoxins existing in a variety of foods at low level. Aptamers hold great promise for the development of sensitive and rapid aptasensors, but suffer from the excessive length and the difficulty in identification of critical binding domains (CBDs). In this study, the 5 nt CBD of the original 59-nt AOH aptamer (AOH-59, K_D = 423 nM) was identified to be a 'C' bulge in between two A-T base pairs. AOH-59 was successfully shortened to a 23 nt aptamer (AOH 6C, K_D = 701 nM). A 30 nt bivalent aptamer B-2-3 (K_D = 445 nM) and a 39 nt trivalent aptamer T-2-3 (K_D = 274 nM) were obtained by simply incorporating one or two CBDs into AOH 6C. The AOH 6C-, B-2-3-, and T-2-3-based optical waveguide aptasensors possessed the unprecedented detection of limits (LODs, S/N = 3) of 42 ± 3, 6 ± 1 and 2 ± 1 fM, respectively. Using the AOH 6C-based sensor as an example, we further demonstrated the detection of AOH spiked in wheat powder with a LOD of 37 pg/g, 20-230-fold lower than those achieved by ELISAs. The sensor was capable for 35 times 2-min regeneration and the assay time including the extraction of AOH from wheat was only about 1 h. We not only devised the first aptasensors for AOH detection, but also provided a simple strategy to design multivalent aptamers for small molecule targets.

Determination of Alternaria toxins in tomato, wheat and sunflower seeds by SPE and LC-MS/MS - a method validation through a collaborative trial

Background

Alternaria toxins are ubiquitous contaminants in highly consumed food products. Therefore, they are candidates to be regulated by EU legislation. In this context, the availability of reliable analytical methods is a keystone both for protecting the health of citizens and smooth functioning of the European market.

Objective

This paper describes an advanced LC-MS/MS method based on isotope dilution quantification suitable for the determination of altenuene, alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, tenuazonic acid, and tentoxin in tomato puree, wheat, and sunflower seeds.

Methods

The method has been validated in an interlaboratory study that included the analysis of both spiked and naturally contaminated food commodities. Twenty-three participants contributed with analytical data.

Results

The average recoveries and relative standard deviations for repeatability and reproducibility obtained across the tested matrixes were: 97, 8.0, and 23%, for altenuene, respectively; 95, 9.2, and 17% for alternariol, respectively; 98, 6.4, and 13% for alternariol monomethyl ether, respectively; 97, 4.2, and 9.3% for tenuazonic acid, respectively; and 102, 5.6, and 15% for tentoxin, respectively. The method enabled the determination of all tested Alternaria toxins close to or below 1 µg/kg.

Conclusion

Overall, the method showed a satisfactory trueness and precision, complying with the requirements for the monitoring of mycotoxins in food in the EU. It is currently under evaluation by the European Committee for Standardization for adoption as a standard method.

Highlights

Isotope dilution mass spectrometry method for the determination of Alternaria toxins in food.

Determination of the Main Ergot Alkaloids and Their Epimers in Oat-Based Functional Foods by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry method is proposed for the determination of the major ergot alkaloids (ergometrine, ergosine, ergotamine, ergocornine, ergokryptine, ergocristine) and their epimers (ergometrinine, ergosinine, ergotaminine, ergocorninine, ergokryptinine, and ergocristinine) in oat-based foods and food supplements. A modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) procedure was applied as sample treatment, reducing the consumption of organic solvent and increasing sensitivity. This method involved an extraction with acetonitrile and ammonium carbonate (85:15, v/v) and a clean-up step based on dispersive solid-phase extraction, employing a mixture of C18/Z-Sep+ as sorbents. Procedural calibration curves were established and limits of quantification were below 3.2 μg/kg for the studied compounds. Repeatability and intermediate precision (expressed as RSD%) were lower than 6.3% and 15%, respectively, with recoveries ranging between 89.7% and 109%. The method was applied to oat-based products (bran, flakes, flour, grass, hydroalcoholic extracts, juices, and tablets), finding a positive sample of oat bran contaminated with ergometrine, ergosine, ergometrinine, and ergosinine (total content of 10.7 μg/kg).

Biosensing based on upconversion nanoparticles for food quality and safety applications

Food safety and quality regulations inevitably call for sensitive and accurate analytical methods to detect harmful contaminants in food and to ensure safe food for the consumer. Both novel and well-established biorecognition elements, together with different transduction schemes, enable the simple and rapid analysis of various food contaminants. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are inorganic nanocrystals that convert near-infrared light into shorter wavelength emission. This unique photophysical feature, along with narrow emission bandwidths and large anti-Stokes shift, render UCNPs excellent optical labels for biosensing because they can be detected without optical background interferences from the sample matrix. In this review, we show how this exciting technique has evolved into biosensing platforms for food quality and safety monitoring and highlight recent applications in the field.

Cleaving Ergot Alkaloids by Hydrazinolysis-A Promising Approach for a Sum Parameter Screening Method

Ergot alkaloids are mycotoxins formed by fungi of the Claviceps genus, which are some of the most common contaminants of food and feed worldwide. These toxins are a structurally heterogeneous group of compounds, sharing an ergoline backbone. Six structures and their corresponding stereoisomers are typically quantified by either HPLC-FLD or HPLC-MS/MS and the values subsequently summed up to determine the total ergot alkaloid content. For the development of a screening method targeting all ergot alkaloids simultaneously, the alkaloids need to be transferred to one homogeneous structure: a lysergic acid derivative. In this study, two promising cleaving methods—acidic esterification and hydrazinolysis—are compared, using dihydroergocristine as a model compound. While the acidic esterification proved to be unsuitable, due to long reaction times and oxidation sensitivity, hydrazinolysis reached a quantitative yield in 40‒60 min. Parallel workup of several samples is possible. An increasing effect on the reaction rate by the addition of ammonium iodide was demonstrated. Application of hydrazinolysis to a major ergot alkaloid mix solution showed that all ergopeptines were cleaved, but ergometrine/-inine was barely affected. Still, hydrazinolysis is a suitable tool for the development of a sum parameter screening method for ergot alkaloids in food and feed.

g-C3N4/Fe3O4 Nanocomposites as Adsorbents Analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS for Highly Sensitive Simultaneous Determination of 27 Mycotoxins in Maize: Aiming at Increasing Purification Efficiency and Reducing Time

According to known studies, numerous mycotoxins have been found simultaneously in foods and have a certain expansion toxicity, so the simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins is absolutely critical. In this article, multifunctional magnetic g-C₃N₄/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites have been fabricated to employ as modified QuEChERS adsorbents. In addition, they were also used in conjunction with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), an accurate quantitative approach, to analyze 27 mycotoxins in maize. The improved method not only has a powerful adsorption effect on the complex matrix by g-C₃N₄/Fe₃O₄ but also enables magnetic separation from the sample solution. Experiments proved that this method can exhibit good linearity under the appropriate and optimal external environment (r² ≥ 0.9954), high sensitivity (the threshold of detection limit is 0.0004-0.6226 μg kg^-1, and the threshold of quantification limit is 0.0014-2.0753 μg kg^-1), adequate recoveries (77.81-115.21%), and excellent repeatability (with a threshold of intraday precision of 1.5-10.8% and interday precision in the range of 2.9-12.5%). In practice this method has been used to evaluate a variety of mycotoxins in maize specimens, and certain actual outcomes have been achieved.

Aptamer-based detection of fumonisin B1: A critical review

Mycotoxin contamination is a current issue affecting several crops and processed products worldwide. Among the diverse mycotoxin group, fumonisin B1 (FB1) has become a relevant compound because of its adverse effects in the food chain. Conventional analytical methods previously proposed to quantify FB1 comprise LC-MS, HPLC-FLD and ELISA, while novel approaches integrate different sensing platforms and fluorescently labelled agents in combination with antibodies. Nevertheless, such methods could be expensive, time-consuming and require experience. Aptamers (ssDNA) are promising alternatives to overcome some of the drawbacks of conventional analytical methods, their high affinity through specific aptamer-target binding has been exploited in various designs attaining favorable limits of detection (LOD). So far, two aptamers specific to FB1 have been reported, and their modified and shortened sequences have been explored for a successful target quantification. In this critical review spanning the last eight years, we have conducted a systematic comparison based on principal component analysis of the aptamer-based techniques for FB1, compared with chromatographic, immunological and other analytical methods. We have also conducted an in-silico prediction of the folded structure of both aptamers under their reported conditions. The potential of aptasensors for the future development of highly sensitive FB1 testing methods is emphasized.

Persistent organic pollutants (PCBs and PCDD/Fs), PAHs, and plasticizers in spices, herbs, and tea - A review of chromatographic methods from the last decade (2010-2020)

Edible and highly demanded plant-derived products such as herbs, spices, and tea may be subjected to exogenous contamination of well-known chemical hazards such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and emerging ones such as plasticizers, affecting negatively the safety of these food commodities. This fact has led to the increasing analysis of exogenous compounds including priority POPs such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as well as highly persistent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Currently, plasticizer residues are also considered an emerging issue because of the extensive use in food packaging and potential migration into foodstuffs. In this review, the studies published from 2010 to 2020 were discussed, including the main extraction methods applied for these contaminants from herbs, spices, and tea, and it was revealed the trend toward the use of less solvent-consuming and time-effective methods. Chromatographic methods were also described, which were mainly combined with detection techniques such as classical or mass spectrometry (MS) detection. Finally, a comprehensive overview of the occurrence of these selected exogenous compounds was presented in the studied matrices, showing that their monitoring should be further investigated to ensure food safety of highly consumed condiments and tea.

Direct and Competitive Optical Grating Immunosensors for Determination of Fusarium Mycotoxin Zearalenone

Novel optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS)-based immunosensor formats were developed for label-free detection of Fusarium mycotoxin zearalenone (ZON). To achieve low limits of detection (LODs), both immobilised antibody-based (direct) and immobilised antigen-based (competitive) assay setups were applied. Immunoreagents were immobilised on epoxy-, amino-, and carboxyl-functionalised sensor surfaces, and by optimising the immobilisation methods, standard sigmoid curves were obtained in both sensor formats. An outstanding LOD of 0.002 pg/mL was obtained for ZON in the competitive immunosensor setup with a dynamic detection range between 0.01 and 1 pg/mL ZON concentrations, depending on the covalent immobilisation method applied. This corresponds to a five orders of magnitude improvement in detectability of ZON relative to the previously developed enzyme-linked immonosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The selectivity of the immunosensor for ZON was demonstrated with structural analogues (α-zearalenol, α-zearalanol, and β-zearalanol) and structurally unrelated mycotoxins. The method was found to be applicable in maize extract using acetonitrile as the organic solvent, upon a dilution rate of 1:10,000 in buffer. Thus, the OWLS immunosensor method developed appears to be suitable for the quantitative determination of ZON in aqueous medium. The new technique can widen the range of sensoric detection methods of ZON for surveys in food and environmental safety assessment.

Mycotoxins Analysis in Cereals and Related Foodstuffs by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Techniques

In the entire world, cereals and related foodstuffs are used as an important source of energy, minerals, and vitamins. Nevertheless, their contamination with mycotoxins kept special attention due to harmful effects on human health. The present paper was conducted to evaluate published studies regarding the identification and characterization of mycotoxins in cereals and related foodstuffs by liquid chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques. For sample preparation, published studies based on the development of extraction and clean-up strategies including solid-phase extraction, solid-liquid extraction, and immunoaffinity columns, as well as on methods based on minimum clean-up (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS)) technology, are examined. LC-MS/MS has become the golden method for the simultaneous multimycotoxin analysis, with different sample preparation approaches, due to the range of different physicochemical properties of these toxic products. Therefore, this new strategy can be an alternative for fast, simple, and accurate determination of multiclass mycotoxins in complex cereal samples.

Evaluation of Two Fully Automated Setups for Mycotoxin Analysis Based on Online Extraction-Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi species widely known for their potentially toxic effects on human health. Considering their frequent presence in crops and their processed food, monitoring them on food-based matrices is now an important topic. Within such a context, the sample preparation step is usually mandatory before the chromatographic analysis, due to the complexity of matrices such as nuts, cereals, beverages, and others. For these reasons, we herein present the evaluation of two greener setups, based on the automation and miniaturization of the sample preparation step for mycotoxin analysis in different beverages. Firstly, we describe an analytical method based on a multidimensional assembly, coupling a lab-made microextraction column (508 µm i.d. × 100 mm) to a UPLC–MS/MS for the analysis of ochratoxin A in beverages. This configuration used a synthesized sorbent phase containing C18-functionalized graphene–silica particles, which exhibited excellent extraction performance, as well as being reusable and cheaper than commercially available extractive phases. Sequentially, a second setup, based on a multidimensional capillary LC coupled to MS/MS, was assessed for the same purpose. In this case, a graphene oxide-based capillary extraction column (254 µm i.d. × 200 mm) was used as the first dimension, while a C18 analytical capillary column performed the mycotoxin separation in beverages. Although this second one has similarities with the first, we focused mainly on the benefits related to the link between a miniaturized/automated sample preparation device with a capillary LC–MS/MS system, which made our analysis greener. Additionally, the chromatographic efficiency could even be enhanced.

Advances in Analysis and Detection of Major Mycotoxins in Foods

Mycotoxins are the most widely studied biological toxins, which contaminate foods at very low concentrations. This review describes the emerging extraction techniques and the current and alternatives analytical techniques and methods that have been used to successfully detect and identify important mycotoxins. Some of them have proven to be particularly effective in not only the detection of mycotoxins, but also in detecting mycotoxin-producing fungi. Chromatographic techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with various detectors like fluorescence, diode array, UV, liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, have been powerful tools for analyzing and detecting major mycotoxins. Recent progress of the development of rapid immunoaffinity-based detection techniques such as immunoassays and biosensors, as well as emerging technologies like proteomic and genomic methods, molecular techniques, electronic nose, aggregation-induced emission dye, quantitative NMR and hyperspectral imaging for the detection of mycotoxins in foods, have also been presented.

Occurrence and analysis of mycotoxins in domestic Chinese herbal medicines

For time immemorial, Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been widely used in China for disease treatment and promotion of general well-being. However, in recent years, many studies have shown that mycotoxins produced by fungi could contaminate CHMs due to unfavourable pre- or post-harvest conditions, raising major concern for consumer safety. At present, there is a significant focus on developing novel mycotoxin detection methods for analysing CHMs, and numerous studies have aimed to determine which kinds of raw herbal materials are most susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. In this review, we focus on recent advances in understanding and detection of mycotoxins in domestic raw herbal materials and related products from 2000 to 2018. Aspects of mycotoxin contamination of CHMs covered in this review include common mycotoxin contaminants in CHMs, maximum mycotoxin residue limits, analytical methods for mycotoxin detection and their applications and limitations, as well as a brief discussion of the trends in ongoing research.

Developments in mycotoxin analysis: an update for 2018-19

This review summarises developments on the analysis of various matrices for mycotoxins that have been published in the period from mid-2018 to mid-2019. Analytical methods to determine aflatoxins, Alternaria toxins, ergot alkaloids, fumonisins, ochratoxins, patulin, trichothecenes, and zearalenone are covered in individual sections. Advances in sampling strategies are also discussed in a dedicated section. In addition, developments in multi-mycotoxin methods – including comprehensive mass spectrometric-based methods as well as simple immunoassays – are also reviewed. 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.

Multiple Mycotoxins Determination in Food by LC-MS/MS: An International Collaborative Study

An intercollaborative study was organized to evaluate the performance characteristics of a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry procedure for the simultaneous determination of 12 mycotoxins in food, which were ochratoxin A, aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins B1 and B2, and T-2 and HT-2 toxins. The method combined the simplicity of the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Efficient, Rugged and Safe) approach with the efficiency of immunoaffinity column cleanup (the step used to enhance sensitivity and sample cleanup for some matrices only). Twenty-three entities were enrolled and were European reference laboratories for mycotoxin analysis, U.S. and European service laboratories, and Nestlé laboratories. Each participant analyzed 28 incurred and/or spiked blind samples composed of spices, nuts, milk powder, dried fruits, cereals, and baby food using the protocol given. Method performances were assessed according to ISO 5725-2. Relative standard deviations of repeatability and reproducibility and trueness values for each of the 115 mycotoxin/sample combinations ranged from 5% to 23%, 7% to 26%, and 85% to 129%, respectively, in line with requirements defined in EC 401/2006. The overall set of data gathered demonstrated that the method offered a unique platform to ensure compliance with EC 1881/2006 and EC 165/2013 regulations setting maximum limits for mycotoxins in food samples, even at low regulated levels for foods intended for infants and young children. The method was applicable regardless of the food, the regulated mycotoxin, and the concentration level, and thus is an excellent candidate for future standardization.

Mycotoxin contamination of food and feed in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and its detection

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by different fungal spices and are found in diverse agricultural crops worldwide; they pose a severe threat to public health. Mycotoxins can cause either acute or chronic symptoms, depending on the type and dose of mycotoxin one has been exposed to. Thus, a continuous monitoring of mycotoxins is needed. Since the discovery of mycotoxins, numerous countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, have established mycotoxin-specific regulations for feed and food. Although a number of studies in GCC countries have investigated the presence of mycotoxins, till date, there are no reviews focusing on the mycotoxin contamination of the food and feed from this region. This review is the first study to present an up-to-date overview of the occurrence of mycotoxins in feed and food in the GCC countries and to discuss the techniques used for mycotoxin analysis.

A Novel Magnetic Molecular Imprinted Polymer for Selective Extraction of Zearalenone from Cereal Flours before Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Determination

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a nonsteroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced by various Fusarium species and commonly occurring in corn and other cereals. Even though its acute toxicity is low, still the estrogenic activity of ZEN and metabolites is a matter of concern. In this work, a new magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (mMIP) for the selective extraction of ZEN from cereal flours is presented. The mMIP was synthesized previously using quercetin as dummy template, and here we wanted to test its applicability to complex food samples. Analyte determination was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The selectivity of the mMIP and the main validation method parameters were assessed. In particular, even in samples as complex as cereals, matrix effect was negligible. Although the mMIP showed cross-selectivity towards both ZEN-related and quercetin-related compounds, nonetheless ZEN recovery was > 95% for the two lower spiking levels, and the quantification limit was 0.14 ng g⁻¹, i.e., ca. 500 times lower than the maximum limit fixed for most cereals by European law. Therefore, the material, also in comparison with a commercial sorbent, appears suitable for the application in food analysis, also to isolate ZEN at trace levels.