Poisons under control
The difficult search for dangerous mycotoxins
Moulds, and more than 300 species of them exist, can be found everywhere in the world and they can infect all kinds of food. Some of them generate toxic metabolic compounds, the so-called mycotoxins, which, when consumed, may cause serious damage to our health. Mycotoxins are stable compounds and are not destroyed either by cooking or roasting or by the processes of the food processing industry. Even where no moulds can be recognized, they may be present with their toxins. Therefore it is of crucial importance to detect them and prevent contaminated food from getting into production and the trade.
In the European Union, 11 mycotoxins have been identified so far and limiting values established (COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1881/2006 and 1126/2007). In co-operation with the Austrian Department for Agrobiotechnology IFA-Tulln, BAM has developed an analytical method which can quantitatively determine mycotoxins.
The analysis of the samples is carried out using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS). By means of HPLC a separation of individual mycotoxins is achieved followed by MS detection. The mycotoxin molecules are fragmented by a collision with nitrogen molecules. The fragments formed during this process are very specific to the respective mycotoxins and can therefore be used for identification and quantitative analysis.
Dr. Robert Köppen of the BAM Working Group "Analysis of Food and Commodities" will report on this analytic procedure in his oral presentation "Multi-component analysis for mycotoxins" at ANAKON 2009.
Organizations
Other news from the department science
Get the chemical industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the chemical industry, analytics, lab technology and process engineering brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
Most read news
More news from our other portals
See the theme worlds for related content
Topic World Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry enables us to detect and identify molecules and reveal their structure. Whether in chemistry, biochemistry or forensics - mass spectrometry opens up unexpected insights into the composition of our world. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of mass spectrometry!
Topic World Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry enables us to detect and identify molecules and reveal their structure. Whether in chemistry, biochemistry or forensics - mass spectrometry opens up unexpected insights into the composition of our world. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of mass spectrometry!
Topic World Chromatography
Chromatography enables us to separate, identify and thus understand complex substances. Whether in the food industry, pharmaceutical research or environmental analysis - chromatography opens up a treasure trove of information about the composition and quality of our samples. Discover the fascinating world of chromatography!
Topic World Chromatography
Chromatography enables us to separate, identify and thus understand complex substances. Whether in the food industry, pharmaceutical research or environmental analysis - chromatography opens up a treasure trove of information about the composition and quality of our samples. Discover the fascinating world of chromatography!