Detection of modified mycotoxins in corn

Authors: Maragos, Chris

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/29/2018
Publication Date: 8/29/2018
Citation: Maragos, C.M. 2018. Detection of modified mycotoxins in corn [abstract].

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fumonisins are a group of mycotoxins that are routinely found in maize worldwide. The group has many congeners. Measures of “total” fumonisins typically include fumonisins B1 (FB1), B2 (FB2) and B3 (FB3). However, several other series of structurally related compounds exist. Furthermore, the fumonisins have the ability to interact with matrix components non-covalently and to form covalent products with matrix components such as carbohydrates and proteins. The result is that obtaining accurate estimates of total fumonisins can be very complicated. For instrumental methods, this often involves hydrolysis of the compounds and measurement of their long aminopentol backbone. In measuring structurally similar compounds immunoassays may have an advantage over chromatographic methods. By careful selection of the cross-reactivity of the antibodies that are used, they can be tailored to quickly recognize similar compounds. We developed an antibody against a fumonisin-fructose adduct, and tested it for cross-reactivity against a variety of fumonisin-carbohydrate analogs. When incorporated into an immunoaffinity column the antibody was used to isolate modified fumonisins from a sample of naturally contaminated maize. The antibody that was developed will be a useful tool to isolate and detect modified fumonisins in maize.