Detection of mycotoxins trough different analytical methods

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi which can affect a variety of feedstuffs. These compounds elicit toxicological effects which represent risk for both humans and animals. Their toxicity occurs at very low concentrations, therefore there is a need for sensitive and reliable methods for their detection. This review aims to evaluate classical and emerging methods for the analysis of mycotoxins concerning their advantages and disadvantages. Currently, several sensitive methods based on chromatographic or immunochemical technique are commercially available. Especially widely are used different chromatographic methods for quantitative determination of mycotoxins, including gas-chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with ultraviolet, fluorescence or MS detectors. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is used as a promising technique for screening, identification and quantitative determination of a large number of mycotoxins. Immunometric assays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), are frequently used for screening purposes. On the other hand, a variety of emerging methods have been proposed. They are based on novel technologies, including immunochromatography (i.e. lateral flow devices), fluorescence polarization immunoassays (FPIA), infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR), molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), and optical biosensors. In addition, during the last years, the highlight was put on nanoscale materials included in biosensors, which are some of the smart devices used for determination of mycotoxins.