Review on sample preparation strategies and methods used for the analysis of aflatoxins in food and feed

Risk Assessment of AFM1 in Raw Milk and Dairy Products Produced in Armenia, a Caucasus Region Country: A Pilot Study

This paper presents the first assessment of dietary exposure to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and associated health risks through milk and dairy product consumption in Armenia. Data on AFM1 in raw milk were obtained from an annual residue monitoring program. Additionally, commonly consumed dairy products (pasteurized milk, cheese, sour cream, curd cheese) were sampled, considering the sources of raw milk used by dairy companies. Per capita consumption of raw milk was sourced from national food balance databases, while individual consumption data for dairy products was collected via a 24 h recall survey with 1400 adult respondents. Detectable levels of AFM1 were observed in 7.14% of raw milk samples (up to 0.334 μg/kg) and, albeit at lower amounts (up to 0.009 µg/kg), in 30% and 40% of sour cream and curd cheese, respectively. The AFM1 levels were lower than the national maximum permitted level (0.5 μg/kg); however, levels in raw milk exceeded the EU ML (0.05 μg/kg). The estimated margin of exposure values for dairy products indicated no significant risk, whereas a reasonable worst-case estimate, using the measurable levels of AFM1 in raw milk consumption indicated a potential public health concern. This study provides a scientific basis for evaluating aflatoxin issues in the Caucasus area.

Mycotoxin Determination and Occurrence in Pseudo-Cereals Intended for Food and Feed: A Review

Nowadays, pseudo-cereals' consumption is increasing due to their health benefits as they possess an excellent nutrient profile. Whole pseudo-cereal grains are rich in a wide range of compounds, namely flavonoids, phenolic acids, fatty acids, and vitamins with known beneficial effects on human and animal health. Mycotoxins are common contaminants in cereals and by-products; however, the study of their natural occurrence in pseudo-cereals is currently scarce. Pseudo-cereals are similar to cereal grains; thus, mycotoxin contamination is expected to occur in pseudo-cereals. Indeed, mycotoxin-producing fungi have been reported in these matrices and, consequently, mycotoxin contents have been reported too, especially in buckwheat samples, where ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol reached levels up to 1.79 μg/kg and 580 μg/kg, respectively. In comparison to cereal contamination, mycotoxin levels detected in pseudo-cereal samples are lower; however, more studies are necessary in order to describe the mycotoxin pattern in these samples and to establish maximum levels that ensure human and animal health protection. In this review, mycotoxin occurrence in pseudo-cereal samples as well as the main extraction methods and analytical techniques to determine them are described, showing that mycotoxins can be present in pseudo-cereal samples and that the most employed techniques for their determination are liquid and gas chromatography coupled to different detectors.

Detoxification impacts of dietary probiotic and prebiotic supplements against aflatoxins: an updated knowledge

The widespread prevalence of food pollutants seriously threatens human and animal health. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites primarily formed by toxigenic fungal genera, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Alternaria, demonstrating one of the principal pollutants in diets or feed products. Mycotoxin contamination in food can harm health, including stunted development, immune system suppression, infertility, vomiting, and gastrointestinal and cancerous conditions. These effects can occur both acutely and chronically. The complex food chain can be contaminated with mycotoxins at any point, including during harvest, industrial processing, shipping, or storage, putting the food sector under societal pressure owing to the waste generated by infected goods. One of the biological controls of mycotoxin is provided by probiotics and prebiotics, controlled as foods and dietary supplements made of bacteria or yeast. Aflatoxin's bioavailability and gastrointestinal absorption can be reduced using various probiotics and prebiotics.

Understanding Current Methods for Sampling of Aflatoxins in Corn and to Generate a Best Practice Framework

Aflatoxin contamination in corn is a significant issue, posing substantial health threats to humans and animals. Aflatoxin testing protects consumer health, ensures the safe global trade of corn, and verifies compliance with legislation; however, effective sampling procedures are essential to ensure reliable results. While many sampling procedures exist, there is no evidence to indicate which is the best approach to ensure accurate detection. Using scientific and gray literature sources, this review analyzed sampling procedures to determine an optimum approach to guide the development of standard practices. Results revealed that sampling is the major source of error in the accurate assessment of aflatoxin levels in food and crucial for obtaining reliable results. To guarantee low variability and sample bias-increased sample size and sampling frequency, the use of automatic dynamic sampling techniques, adequate storage, and homogenization of aggregate samples for analysis are advised to ensure a representative sample. However, there is a lack of evidence to support this or indicate the current utilization of the reviewed procedures. Inadequate data prevented the recommendation of sample sizes or frequency for optimum practice, and thus, further research is required. There is an urgent need to make sampling procedures fit-for-purpose to obtain accurate and reliable aflatoxin measurements.

AFB1 recognition from liver tissue via AFB1 imprinted magnetic nanoparticles

Aflatoxins (AFs) are produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most toxic aflatoxins with its carcinogenic property. AFB1 recognition from samples is very important and PHEMA based AFB1 imprinted magnetic nanoparticles (magAFB1-MIPs) were synthesized for the selective AFB1 recognition from liver tissue. The AFB1-MIPs were synthesized in different mole ratios and NIPs were synthesized for control. Characterization studies of magAFB1-MIPs and NIPs were carried out by swelling tests, surface area measurements, scanning electron microscopy and particle size analysis. The surface area was found as 117 m²/g and the size of the nanoparticles were found as 483 nm in diameter. The percentage yield of polymerization was calculated as 98 % and the template (AFB1) removal ratio from the magAFB1-MIPs was calculated as 91 %. The maximum adsorbtion capacities were calculated as 427.57 ng g^-1 for magAFB1-MIPs and 44.6 ng g^-1 for magNIPs. Selectivity tests showed that magAFB1-MIPs adsorb AFB1 1.74, 4.40, 2.46 times selective than that of AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 molecules, respectively. AFB1 removal amount from AFB1 spiked liver tissue was satisfactory and recorded as 10.4 ng g^-1 and 54.8 ng g^-1 for 2 ng g^-1 and 10 ng g^-1 spiked liver tissue samples, respectively. AFB1 adsorption amount decrease was found negligible for 10 consecutive adsorption-desorption repeats in reusability study.

Measurement uncertainty for detection of visual impurities in granular feed and food materials in relation to the investigated amount of material

The presence is regulated of visually detectable seeds from a selection of toxic plants and fungi mycelium bodies (sclerotia) in feed (Directive 2002/32/EC) and in food (Regulation (EC) 1881/2006). Homogenisation as typical for chemical analyses is not applicable, and dedicated approaches are needed for visual examination methods. Visual methods require two parameters to characterise measurement uncertainties for both unit counts and unit weights. A new approach is to divide approximately 2 kg of sample material into four subsamples of approximately 500 g and to separately examine the four subsamples for numbers and particle weights of seeds or sclerotia. This study is the first to produce datasets on inhomogeneity among subsamples of a sample for visually detectable undesirable substances. Analytical thresholds were calculated from a simulation model and bootstrap procedures based on our data. The analytical thresholds assuring a controlled false-negative rate of 5% for decisions in compliance with legal limits depend on the diversity of the unit counts and weights, the level of the legal limit and the amount of material examined initially in the step-wise approach, either one or two subsamples. A procedure is proposed for examination in practice where only two subsamples, or alternatively even only one subsample, would be examined. If the resulting level of contamination exceeds the relevant threshold additional subsamples need to be examined as well. In most of the investigated cases, analytical thresholds could be established for the examination of just one subsample (500 g) taken from a sample of 2 kg. However, for ergot sclerotia in food with a legal limit of 200 mg kg^-1, at least two subsamples (1000 g) need to be examined in the first step. Other groups of visually detectable undesirable substances exist which need further attention.

Ultra-fast RP-HPLC-FD-DAD for quantification of total aflatoxins in maize, rice, wheat, peanut and poultry feed without sample clean up, and population exposure risk assessment in Katsina, Nigeria: an optimization study

This study reports the development and validation of a simple, yet efficient method called the ultra-fast reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence and photodiode array detector (UF-RP-HPLC-FD-DAD) to extract and quantify the total aflatoxin from grains and poultry feed. The proposed method is used to determine the total aflatoxin content in 150 samples of maize, rice, wheat, peanut and poultry feed obtained from open markets in a state in Nigeria. The extent of consumer exposure to aflatoxins and the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are evaluated. The UF-RP-HPLC-FD-DAD method was found to be satisfactorily accurate, sensitive and reliable as ascertained by its excellent validation outcomes (R² > 0.999, LoD < 0.08 ng g^-1, LoQ < 0.2 ng g^-1, recovery = 90-102%). The aflatoxin levels in food grains and poultry feed samples obtained in this study implied a moderate dietary exposure of between 10.67 and 20.77 ng/kg BW/day, in which the risk of developing HCC was estimated to be between 6.27 and 21.40% per 100,000 adults/year. Hence, greater monitoring of marketed food and feed is required, besides the deployment of strict controls and preventive techniques to minimize the population's exposure to a high dietary level of aflatoxins.

Investigating binding dynamics of trans resveratrol to HSA for an efficient displacement of aflatoxin B1 using spectroscopy and molecular simulation

Resveratrol is a polyphenol belonging to the class stilbenes. The active and stable form of resveratrol is trans-resveratrol. This polyphenol is bestowed with numerous biological properties. Aflatoxin B₁ is a hepato-carcinogen and mutagen that is produced by Aspergillus species. In this study, the interaction of trans-resveratrol with HSA followed by competitive dislodging of AFB₁ from HSA by trans-resveratrol has been investigated using spectroscopic studies. The UV-absorption studies revealed ground state complex formation between HSA and trans-resveratrol. Trans-resveratrol binds strongly to HSA with the binding constant of ~ 10⁷ M⁻¹ to a single binding site (n = 1.58), at 298.15 K. The Stern–Volmer quenching constant was calculated as 7.83 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ at 298.15 K, suggesting strong fluorescence quenching ability of trans-resveratrol. Site markers displacement assay projected subdomain IIA as the binding site of trans-resveratrol to HSA. The molecular docking approach envisages the amino acid residues involved in the formation of the binding pocket. As confirmed from the site marker displacement assays, both trans-resveratrol and AFB₁ binds to HSA in the same binding site, subdomain IIA. The study explores the ability of trans-resveratrol to displace AFB₁ from the HSA-AFB₁ complex, thereby affecting the toxicokinetic behavior of AFB₁ associated with AFB₁ exposure.

Development and validation of quantitative thin layer chromatographic technique for determination of total aflatoxins in poultry feed and food grains without sample clean-up

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this work is to develop and validate an appropriate solvent solution and quantitative thin layer chromatography (TLC) method for determining the aflatoxins content of chicken feeds and dietary grains.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To obtain the optimal mobile phase, samples were extracted with methanol/water (3:1) + 5% sodium chloride and partitioned using several solvent systems using preparative TLC. Camag TLC scanner 3 was used to scan the TLC plates at 366 nm and quantify them using JustTLC software. The method was tested for linearity, specificity, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and robustness in accordance with ICH recommendations, and then utilized to screen 132 Nigerian poultry/food samples for total aflatoxins (TAFs).

RESULTS

The best separation of aflatoxins was achieved using acetonitrile and dichloromethane (3:17) mobile phase over an average run time of 45 min, resulting in linear calibration curves (R2 > 0.99) in the concentration range limit of quantitation (LoQ) to 50 ng/spot with a limit of detection of <2.0 ng/g and a LoQ of <4.0 ng/gm for all aflatoxins in all spiked samples. When the proposed TLC method was compared to an optimized high-performance liquid chromatography method, an excellent linear regression was obtained (R2 > 95%). Seventy seven (58.33%) of the 132 samples examined were positive for aflatoxins, with mean values ranging from 3.57 ± 2.55 to 37.31 ± 34.06 ng/gm for aflatoxin B1 and 6.67 ± 0.00 to 38.02 ± 31.52 ng/gm for TAFs, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate the feasibility of using the suggested TLC method in conjunction with a novel solvent solution (free of carcinogenic chloroform) for the rapid and accurate measurement of TAFs in foods/feeds.

Ameliorating potential and fertility enhancing activities of nutritional dietary supplementation of D-Ribose -l-Cysteine in cisplatin induced oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and seminiferous epithelium degeneration in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats

Background

Cisplatin (CN) is considered as a cytotoxic agent and DNA synthesis inhibitor. D-Ribose-l-Cysteine (DRLC) is an active ingredient of riboceine, help cells to produce glutathione on body demand.

Aim

Current study focused on ameliorating potential and fertility enhancing activities of D-Ribose–l-Cysteine in cisplatin induced oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and seminiferous epithelium degeneration.

Materials and method

Sixty (60) male rats randomized into six groups of ten (n = 10) rats each. Group A (control) received 2.0 ml distilled water, group B received single dose of 8 mg/kg bwt CN, group C received 30 mg/kg bwt DRLC, group D received single dose of 8 mg/kg CN follow by 30 mg/kg bwt DRLC, group E received single dose of 8 mg/kg CN and vitamin C, group F received single dose of 8 mg/kg cisplatin follow by DRLC + Vit.C for 56 days. Parameters tested include: Sperm parameters, testosterone (TT), luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating Hormone, (FSH), Prolactin, and testicular 17β-HSD activity, Blood hydroperoxide (BHP), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH) and Catalase (CAT), testicular histology and fertility test.

Results

Cisplatin significantly reduced testicular volume, body weight, sperm quality, fertility indices, TT, FSH, LH, 17β-HSD, SOD, GSH, CAT, diameter and cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubules, spermatogenesis score. And elevate prolactin, testicular injury score, BHP and MDA compared with control group. Cisplatin only treated rats showed degenerated seminiferous epithelium with empty lumen. Intervention of D-Ribose-Cysteine ameliorated toxic impacts of CN on testis and improved the male fertility.

Conclusion

D-Ribose-l-Cysteine therefore, preserves testicular integrity and functions thereby, preventing the deleterious impact of CN.

Recent Advances in the Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Biosensors for Detecting Aflatoxin B1 and Its Pertinent Metabolite Aflatoxin M1

The notable toxicological impacts of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and its main metabolite, aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), on human being health make the evaluation of food quality highly significant. Due to the toxicity of those metabolites-even very low content in foodstuffs-it is crucial to design a sensitive and reliable procedure for their detection. Electrochemical aptamer-based biosensors are considered the most encouraging option, based on multi-placed analysis, rapid response, high sensitivity and specificity. The present review specifically emphasizes the potential utilization of the electrochemical aptasensors for determining the AFM1 and AFB1 with different electrodes.

Current PCR-based methods for the detection of mycotoxigenic fungi in complex food and feed matrices

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary fungal metabolites produced by certain types of filamentous fungi, such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium spp. Mycotoxigenic fungi and their produced mycotoxins are considered to be an important issue in food and feed safety due to their toxic effects like carcinogenicity, immunosuppression, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity on humans and animals. To boost the safety level of food and feedstuff, detection and identification of toxins are essential at critical control points across food and feed chains. Zero-tolerance policies by the European Union and other organizations about the extreme low level of tolerance of mycotoxins contamination in food and feed matrices have led to an increasing interest to design more sensitive, specific, rapid, cost-effective, and safer to use mycotoxigenic fungi detection technologies. Hence, many mycotoxigenic fungi detection technologies have been applied to measure and control toxins contamination in food and feed substrates. PCR-based mycotoxigenic fungi detection technologies, such as conventional PCR, real-time PCR, nested PCR, reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), in situ PCR, polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR DGGE), co-operational PCR, multiplex PCR, DNA arrays, magnetic capture-hybridization (MCH)-PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), would contribute to our understanding about different mycotoxigenic fungi detection approaches and will enhance our capability about mycotoxigenic fungi identification, isolation and characterization at critical control points across food and feed chains. We have assessed the principles, results, the limit of detection, and application of these PCR-based detection technologies to alleviate mycotoxins contamination problem in complex food and feed substrates. The potential application of these detection technologies can reduce mycotoxins in complex food and feed matrices.

Advances in Occurrence, Importance, and Mycotoxin Control Strategies: Prevention and Detoxification in Foods

Mycotoxins are toxic substances that can infect many foods with carcinogenic, genotoxic, teratogenic, nephrotoxic, and hepatotoxic effects. Mycotoxin contamination of foodstuffs causes diseases worldwide. The major classes of mycotoxins that are of the greatest agroeconomic importance are aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, emerging Fusarium mycotoxins, enniatins, ergot alkaloids, Alternaria toxins, and patulin. Thus, in order to mitigate mycotoxin contamination of foods, many control approaches are used. Prevention, detoxification, and decontamination of mycotoxins can contribute in this purpose in the pre-harvest and post-harvest stages. Therefore, the purpose of the review is to elaborate on the recent advances regarding the occurrence of main mycotoxins in many types of important agricultural products, as well as the methods of inactivation and detoxification of foods from mycotoxins in order to reduce or fully eliminate them.

Simultaneous Determination of Four Aflatoxins in Dark Tea by Multifunctional Purification Column and Immunoaffinity Column Coupled to Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Dry tea matrix contains an abundance of caffeine and polyphenols which are different from the food matrix (e.g., protein, lipid, and carbohydrates), and only a few studies have tried aflatoxins determination with tea samples. Here, a specific, accurate, and sensitive method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 in dark teas. Aflatoxins were extracted by acetonitrile/water, press-filtered, and cleaned by multifunctional purification column (MFC) and immunoaffinity column (IAC) in tandem. The cleaned extract was analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The matrix interference was effectively reduced by MFC-IAC cleaning method. Recoveries at the spiking concentrations of 5-60 μg/kg ranged from 77.5 to 93%, with relative standard deviations <11.0%. The correlation coefficients of aflatoxins standard were >0.998. The limits of detection were 0.024-0.21 μg/kg and the limits of quantification were 0.08-0.74 μg/kg. The intra- and interday accuracy ranged from 74 to 87%, and the intra- and interday precisions ranged from 0.4 to 3.1%. After the method validation, the aflatoxins contaminations in 100 collected dark teas were detected, and the results were compared with those of other methods.

Aflatoxins in Food and Feed: An Overview on Prevalence, Detection and Control Strategies

Aflatoxins produced by the Aspergillus species are highly toxic, carcinogenic, and cause severe contamination to food sources, leading to serious health consequences. Contaminations by aflatoxins have been reported in food and feed, such as groundnuts, millet, sesame seeds, maize, wheat, rice, fig, spices and cocoa due to fungal infection during pre- and post-harvest conditions. Besides these food products, commercial products like peanut butter, cooking oil and cosmetics have also been reported to be contaminated by aflatoxins. Even a low concentration of aflatoxins is hazardous for human and livestock. The identification and quantification of aflatoxins in food and feed is a major challenge to guarantee food safety. Therefore, developing feasible, sensitive and robust analytical methods is paramount for the identification and quantification of aflatoxins present in low concentrations in food and feed. There are various chromatographic and sensor-based methods used for the detection of aflatoxins. The current review provides insight into the sources of contamination, occurrence, detection techniques, and masked mycotoxin, in addition to management strategies of aflatoxins to ensure food safety and security.

Aflatoxin in Chili Peppers in Nigeria: Extent of Contamination and Control Using Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Genotypes as Biocontrol Agents

Across sub-Saharan Africa, chili peppers are fundamental ingredients of many traditional dishes. However, chili peppers may contain unsafe aflatoxin concentrations produced by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi. Aflatoxin levels were determined in chili peppers from three states in Nigeria. A total of 70 samples were collected from farmers’ stores and local markets. Over 25% of the samples contained unsafe aflatoxin concentrations. The chili peppers were associated with both aflatoxin producers and atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus genotypes. Efficacy of an atoxigenic biocontrol product, Aflasafe, registered in Nigeria for use on maize and groundnut, was tested for chili peppers grown in three states. Chili peppers treated with Aflasafe accumulated significantly less aflatoxins than nontreated chili peppers. The results suggest that Aflasafe is a valuable tool for the production of safe chili peppers. Use of Aflasafe in chili peppers could reduce human exposure to aflatoxins and increase chances to commercialize chili peppers in premium local and international markets. This is the first report of the efficacy of any atoxigenic biocontrol product for controlling aflatoxin in a spice crop.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.): A Prospective Legume Crop to Offer Multiple Health Benefits Under Changing Climate

Peanut is a multipurpose oil-seed legume, which offer benefits in many ways. Apart from the peanut plant's beneficial effects on soil quality, peanut seeds are nutritious and medicinally and economically important. In this review, insights into peanut origin and its domestication are provided. Peanut is rich in bioactive components, including phenolics, flavonoids, polyphenols, and resveratrol. In addition, the involvement of peanut in biological nitrogen fixation is highly significant. Recent reports regarding peanut responses and N₂ fixation ability in response to abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, heat stress, and iron deficiency on calcareous soils, have been incorporated. As a biotechnological note, recent advances in the development of transgenic peanut plants are also highlighted. In this context, regulation of transcriptional factors and gene transfer for the development of stress-tolerant peanut genotypes are of prime importance. Above all, this review signifies the importance of peanut cultivation and human consumption in view of the scenario of changing world climate in order to maintain food security.

Investigation of aflatoxins contamination in herbal materia medica in a Taiwan pharmaceutical factory

During the years 2005–2016, a total of 1067 samples for 24 types of herbal materia medica were investigated for the presence of aflatoxins (AFs) using immunoaffinity column cleanup and HPLC-coupled to a fluorescence detector after post-column derivatization. AFs were detected in 373 (35%) out of the total samples. Among them, Platycladi Semen (65% for total AFs and 79% for AFB1), Corydalis Rhizoma (53% for total AFs and 32% for AFB1), Corni Fructus (3% for total AFs), Coicis Semen (3% for total AFs and AFB1), Nelumbinis Semen (6% for total AFs and 9% for AFB1), Arecae Semen (18% for AFB1), Polygalae Radix (5% for total AFs and AFB1), and Cassiae Semen (25% for total AFs and 38% for AFB1) exceeded the official limits of 5 and 10 μg/kg, for AFB1 and total AFs (the sum of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2), respectively, set by the Taiwan government. We concluded that Platycladi Semen, Corydalis Rhizoma, and Cassiae Semen are the most commonly contaminated by AFs.

Determination of Aflatoxin B1 in Feedstuffs without Clean-Up Step by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A reliable and rapid method has been developed for the determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in four kinds of feedstuffs comprising broken rice, peanuts, corn, and fishmeal. A sample preparation was carried out based on the QuEChERS method with the exclusion of the clean-up step. In this study, AFB1 was extracted using acetonitrile/methanol (40/60 v/v), followed by partitioning with sodium chloride and magnesium sulfate. High-performance liquid chromatography with precolumn derivatization and fluorescence detection was performed. The coefficients of determination were greater than 0.9800. Throughout the developed method, the recovery of all feedstuffs achieved a range of 82.50-109.85% with relative standard deviation lower than 11% for all analytes at a concentration of 20-100 ng/g. The limit of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.2 to 1.2 ng/g and limit of quantitation (LOQ) ranged from 0.3 to 1.5 ng/g. The validated method was successfully applied to a total of 120 samples. The occurrence of AFB1 contamination was found at the following concentrations: in broken rice (0.44-2.33ng/g), peanut (3.97-106.26ng/g), corn (0.88-50.29 ng/g), and fishmeal (1.06-10.35 ng/g). These results indicate that the proposed method may be useful for regularly monitoring AFB1 contamination in feedstuffs.

PR Toxin - Biosynthesis, Genetic Regulation, Toxicological Potential, Prevention and Control Measures: Overview and Challenges

Out of the various mycotoxigenic food and feed contaminant, the fungal species belonging to Penicillium genera, particularly Penicillium roqueforti is of great economic importance, and well known for its crucial role in the manufacturing of Roquefort and Gorgonzola cheese. The mycotoxicosis effect of this mold is due to secretion of several metabolites, of which PR toxin is of considerable importance, with regard to food quality and safety challenges issues. The food products and silages enriched with PR toxin could lead into damage to vital internal organs, gastrointestinal perturbations, carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, necrosis, and enzyme inhibition. Moreover, it also has the significant mutagenic potential to disrupt/alter the crucial processes like DNA replication, transcription, and translation at the molecular level. The high genetic diversities in between the various strains of P. roqueforti persuaded their nominations with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), accordingly to the cheese type, they have been employed. Recently, the biosynthetic mechanism and toxicogenetic studies unraveled the role of ari1 and prx gene clusters that cross-talk with the synthesis of other metabolites or involve other cross-regulatory pathways to negatively regulate/inhibit the other biosynthetic route targeted for production of a strain-specific metabolites. Interestingly, the chemical conversion that imparts toxic properties to PR toxin is the substitution/oxidation of functional hydroxyl group (-OH) to aldehyde group (-CHO). The rapid conversion of PR toxin to the other derivatives such as PR imine, PR amide, and PR acid, based on conditions available reflects their unstability and degradative aspects. Since the PR toxin-induced toxicity could not be eliminated safely, the assessment of dose-response and other pharmacological aspects for its safe consumption is indispensable. The present review describes the natural occurrences, diversity, biosynthesis, genetics, toxicological aspects, control and prevention strategies, and other management aspects of PR toxin with paying special attention on economic impacts with intended legislations for avoiding PR toxin contamination with respect to food security and other biosafety purposes.

Aflatoxins: A Global Concern for Food Safety, Human Health and Their Management

The aflatoxin producing fungi, Aspergillus spp., are widely spread in nature and have severely contaminated food supplies of humans and animals, resulting in health hazards and even death. Therefore, there is great demand for aflatoxins research to develop suitable methods for their quantification, precise detection and control to ensure the safety of consumers' health. Here, the chemistry and biosynthesis process of the mycotoxins is discussed in brief along with their occurrence, and the health hazards to humans and livestock. This review focuses on resources, production, detection and control measures of aflatoxins to ensure food and feed safety. The review is informative for health-conscious consumers and research experts in the fields. Furthermore, providing knowledge on aflatoxins toxicity will help in ensure food safety and meet the future demands of the increasing population by decreasing the incidence of outbreaks due to aflatoxins.

Determination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins from maize by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry

Direct analysis in real time (DART) ionisation coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) was used for the rapid quantitative analysis of T-2 toxin (T-2) and the related HT-2 toxin (HT-2), extracted from maize. Sample preparation procedures and instrument parameters were optimised to obtain sensitive and accurate determination of the toxins. The lowest calibration levels were 50 μg/kg for T-2 and 300 μg/kg for HT-2. Quantitative analysis was performed with the use of matrix-matched standards employing the 13C-labelled internal standard for T-2. DART-MS of maize extracts spiked with T-2 gave a linear response over the range of 50-1000 μg/kg. With the isotope dilution technique, good recoveries (99-110%) and repeatabilities (relative standard deviaiton 7.4-11.6%) were obtained at T-2 spiking levels of 100 and 1000 μg/kg. Adaptability of the developed method was demonstrated by analysis of T-2 and HT-2 from an oat flour quality control material. The results here further indicate the potential for application of ambient ionisation mass spectrometry to provide accurate, convenient quantitation of mycotoxins from grains.

Mycotoxin Analysis: New Proposals for Sample Treatment

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by different fungi, with different chemical structures. Mycotoxins contaminate food, feed, or raw materials used in their production and cause diseases and disorders in humans and livestock. Because of their great variety of toxic effects and their extreme heat resistance, the presence of mycotoxins in food and feed is considered a high risk to human and animal health. In order to ensure food quality and health consumers, European legislation has set maximum contents of some mycotoxins in different matrices. However, there are still some food commodities susceptible to fungal contamination, which were not contemplated in this legislation. In this context, we have developed new analytical techniques for the multiclass determination of mycotoxins in a great variety of food commodities (some of them scarcely studied), such as cereals, pseudocereals, cereal syrups, nuts, edible seeds, and botanicals. Considering the latest technical developments, ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry has been chosen as an efficient, fast, and selective powerful analytical technique. In addition, alternative sample treatments based on emerging methodologies, such as dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and QuEChERS, have been developed, which allow an increased efficiency and sample throughput, as well as reducing contaminant waste.

Rapid and simultaneous in situ assessment of aflatoxins and stilbenes using silica plate imprinting mass spectrometry imaging

A fast and direct combination of techniques for simultaneous mycotoxin and phytoalexin identification in peanut skin and kernel is described. Silica Plate Imprinting Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (SPILDI-MSI) is a powerful technique that exhibits great advantages, such as solvent-free and matrix-free characteristics, as well as no sample preparation or separation steps. It also permits accurate identification of mycotoxins and phytoalexins with unique fingerprint profiles in just a few seconds. Results are expressed as chemical images of the 4 identified types of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) and a stilbenoid (resveratrol). Also, SPILDI-MSI allows the comparison between the spatial distribution of aflatoxins and resveratrol found in kernel and skin. This novel application has proven to be useful for instantaneous qualitative assessment of aflatoxins and stilbenoids both in the peanut skin and kernel and offers precise tracking of fungal contamination in nuts and other foodstuffs.

Canine aflatoxicosis outbreak in South Africa (2011): A possible multi-mycotoxins aetiology

This study analysed 60 dog food samples obtained from commercial outlets following the 2011 aflatoxicosis outbreak in South Africa. Results obtained from the selected dog food samples revealed that 87% of samples were contaminated with aflatoxins (AFs) (mainly AFB1 and AFB2). Amongst these samples, 45 (75%) were above the 20 parts per billion (ppb) set by most countries and 10 ppb regulated by the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (Act No. 36 of 1947) for South Africa. In addition to AFs, other mycotoxins were also detected in the same samples with fumonisins (FBs) (mainly FB1and FB2) contaminating 98% of samples with 49 (81.81) above the tolerable limit of 1000 ppb in feedstuff set up by the Federal Drug Agency (FDA) (USA). The FBs mean obtained was 1556 ppb (Table 1) with contamination varying between 5.2 and 4653.8 ppb. Ochratoxin A (OTA) was detected in 41 (68%) of the analysed samples, with a mean value of 13.7 ppb. Amongst these samples, 15 (25%) were above the 20 ppb highest limit set by the Codex Alimentarius standard. Zearalenone (ZEA) was detected in 96% of samples, with a mean value of 354.1 ppb. Thirty-three samples (55%) were above the regulated level 1000 ppb tolerable limit. The recoveries were up to ten times the tolerable daily limits of the FDA and EU. The correlation between mycotoxin findings and clinical signs reported on patients presented for aflatoxicosis led to the conclusion that the outbreak was associated with the presence of other mycotoxins found simultaneously in the analysed samples by additive or synergistic effects.

Multiclass mycotoxin analysis in Silybum marianum by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using a procedure based on QuEChERS and dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction

Ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) has been proposed for the determination of 15 mycotoxins in milk thistle (Silybum marianum), including aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, ochratoxin A, citrinin, sterigmatocystin and zearalenone. The mycotoxins were detected by electrospray ionization in positive ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), achieving the separation in about 4min. Sample treatment consisted of a modified method based on a first step using a QuEChERS-based procedure which allowed the determination of fumonisin B1, fumonisin B2, nivalenol, deoxynivalenol and fusarenon-X, and a subsequent clean-up based on dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) for the determination of the rest of mycotoxins. The method has been validated in extract and seeds of milk thistle, obtaining limits of quantification lower than those usually permitted by legislation in food matrices, with precisions lower than 10%. Recoveries were between 62.3% and 98.9%, except for zearalenone in seeds samples and citrinin in extract. The method was also applied for studying the occurrence of these mycotoxins in market samples (six samples of seeds, three of them purchased in bulk in a street vendor, and one natural extract of milk thistle), and HT-2, T-2 and zearalenone have been found in some of the samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that this type of treatment has been used for these complex food matrices, allowing the analyses of the most important mycotoxins.

Development of a microwave-assisted-extraction-based method for the determination of aflatoxins B1, G1, B2, and G2 in grains and grain products

This article describes the use of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) as a pretreatment technique for the determination of aflatoxins B(1), G(1), B(2), and G(2) in grains and grain products. The optimal operation parameters, including extraction solvent, temperature, and time, were identified to be acetonitrile as the extraction solvent at 80 °C with 15 min of MAE. The extracts were cleaned up using solid-phase extraction followed by derivatization with trifluoroacetic acid and were determined by liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection. A Sep-Pak cartridge was chosen over Oasis HLB and Bond Elut cartridges. By the use of aflatoxin M(1) as an internal standard, relative recoveries of the aflatoxins ranged from 90.7 to 105.7 % for corn and from 88.1 to 103.4 % for wheat, with relative standard deviations between 2.5 and 8.7 %. A total of 36 samples from local markets were analyzed, and aflatoxin B(1) was found to be the predominant toxin, with concentrations ranging from 0.42 to 3.41 μg/kg.

Food Analysis: Present, Future, and Foodomics

This paper presents a revision on the instrumental analytical techniques and methods used in food analysis together with their main applications in food science research. The present paper includes a brief historical perspective on food analysis, together with a deep revision on the current state of the art of modern analytical instruments, methodologies, and applications in food analysis with a special emphasis on the works published on this topic in the last three years (2009–2011). The article also discusses the present and future challenges in food analysis, the application of “omics” in food analysis (including epigenomics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics), and provides an overview on the new discipline of Foodomics.