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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 9/11/2009 Publication Date: 9/11/2009 Citation: Maragos, C.M. 2009. Rapid and Advanced Tools for Mycotoxin Analysis [abstract]. International Society of Mycotoxicology. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The problems associated with mycotoxin contamination of foods and feeds are well established, and in many cases have been known for a long time. As a consequence the techniques for detecting known mycotoxins are quite advanced and range from methods for directly detecting the toxins themselves, based upon physical characteristics of the toxins, to methods for indirectly detecting the toxins, such as immunoassays. The distinction between "rapid" and "advanced" tools is important, because there are advanced tools that are not rapid, and vice versa. This review focuses on tests that satisfy aspects of both criteria, namely current technologies that can be used to detect mycotoxins in a timely manner and, as such, is not a comprehensive review of mycotoxin analytical literature. Rather, the intent is to survey the range of technologies from those that are instrument-intensive such as modern chromatographic methods to those that require no instrumentation, such as certain immunoassays. In particular much effort has been reported in the recent literature on liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric assays, lateral flow immunochromatographic assays, and biosensors. These technologies are not mutually exclusive and may find their greatest utility when paired together in surveillance programs by combining a rapid screening assay with a rapid confirmatory assay. While the technologies for detecting mycotoxins are quite advanced there continues to be room for improvement. Needs exist for the development of assays with increased throughput, for the exploration of novel detection technologies, and for the comprehensive validation of assays as they continue to be developed. |
