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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 3/6/2014 Publication Date: 3/6/2014 Citation: Maragos, C.M. 2014. Measurement of trichothecene mycotoxins in wheat using a biolayer interferometry-based biosensor [abstract]. Pittcon. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi. The fungi can infest a variety of important agricultural commodities including wheat, barley, maize, peanuts, and tree nuts. Certain of the mycotoxins are potential threats to animal and human health and, for this reason, extensive monitoring is done of their presence. Among the mycotoxins, trichothecenes are a heterogeneous group of sesquiterpenoids that are acutely toxic to many species. As part of efforts to improve detection of trichothecenes, a biosensor based upon biolayer interfereometry (BLI) was developed to detect two of the trichothecenes: deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin. The sensor has the advantage that it allows for the monitoring of binding events in real time. Also, rather than forcing test solutions through fine capillaries, which can clog, this device uses sensors that are dipped into the test solution, eliminating this potential problem. The technique was successfully used to measure T-2 toxin and deoxynivalenol in spiked whole wheat flour at levels below current regulatory guidelines. These results suggest the technique may be useful for the rapid identification and quantification of trichothecenes in commodities and foods. |
