Total Aflatoxin Content Research Articles

Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in dried eggplant and green bell pepper

In this study, 50 dried eggplant and 50 dried green bell pepper samples were analyzed in terms of their aflatoxin and ochratoxin A (OTA) content. Aflatoxins G2, G1, B2, and B1, and OTA contents were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with a flame ionization detector (HPLC–FID). Total aflatoxin and, as well as aflatoxin G2, G1, B2, and B1 content in dried eggplant samples were ranged between 0.82 and 2.58, 0.10–0.23, 0.32–1.35, 0.12–0.67, and 0.17–0.71 μg kg−1, respectively. Total aflatoxin and, as well as aflatoxin G2, G1, B2 and B1 content in dried green bell pepper samples were 0.81–2.42, 0.11–0.22, 0.32–1.38, 0.13–0.66, and 0.18–0.91 μg kg−1, respectively. OTA content was varied from 8.88 to 21.35 μg kg−1 in eggplant samples, and from 15.38 to 24.70 μg kg−1 in dried green bell pepper samples. Of the dried eggplant samples and dried green bell pepper samples, 36% and 24% of them, respectively, had aflatoxin B1 values which were below the minimum limit of detection (LOD) of 0.05 μg kg−1. None of the analyzed samples exceeded the legal limit values of 10 μg kg−1 for total aflatoxin content, and 5 μg kg−1 for aflatoxin B1 content. However, 80% of the dried eggplant samples and 100% of the dried green bell pepper samples exceeded the legal limit value for OTA content (15 μg kg−1). According to the results, it was concluded that dried vegetables should be examined in terms of their aflatoxins. It is essential to analyze OTA content more thoroughly, as it has the potential to pose a risk for public health, as well as for the economy.

Use of Cold Atmospheric Plasma to Detoxify Hazelnuts from Aflatoxins.

Aflatoxins, produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, can contaminate different foodstuffs, such as nuts. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma has the potential to be used for mycotoxin detoxification. In this study, the operating parameters of cold atmospheric pressure plasma were optimized to reduce the presence of aflatoxins on dehulled hazelnuts. First, the effect of different gases was tested (N2, 0.1% O2 and 1% O2, 21% O2), then power (400, 700, 1000, 1150 W) and exposure time (1, 2, 4, and 12 min) were optimized. In preliminary tests on aflatoxin standard solutions, this method allowed to obtain a complete detoxification using a high power for a few minutes. On hazelnuts, in similar conditions (1000 W, 12 min), a reduction in the concentration of total aflatoxins and AFB1 of over 70% was obtained. Aflatoxins B1 and G1 were more sensitive to plasma treatments compared to aflatoxins B2 and G2, respectively. Under plasma treatment, aflatoxin B1 was more sensitive compared to aflatoxin G1. At the highest power, and for the longest time, the maximum temperature increment was 28.9 °C. Cold atmospheric plasma has the potential to be a promising method for aflatoxin detoxification on food, because it is effective and it could help to maintain the organoleptic characteristics.

Simultaneous Occurrence of Aflatoxins and Fumonisins in Corn Intended for the Pet Feed Industry and for Human Consumption

In this study, 24 samples of corn intended for the pet feed industry (PFI) and 24 samples of corn for human consumption (HC) commercialized in Sao Paulo, Brazil were analyzed for aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, and fumonisins B1 and B2 by high performance liquid chromatography. The concentrations of total aflatoxins in positive samples of PFI (33.3%) and HC (70.8%) corn samples ranged from 0.5 to 3.9 μg/kg and 0.5 to 41.8 μg/kg, respectively. For fumonisins, the concentrations in positive samples of PFI (100%) and HC (83.3%) corn samples ranged from 685 to 11,379 μg/kg and 157 to 6,495 μg/kg, respectively. Overall the aflatoxin levels complied with regulations for food products in Brazil (20 μg/kg), except for one sample of HC corn. However, the high incidence of fumonisins indicates the need for better agricultural practices to avoid contamination of corn, especially in the PFI.

EFFECT OF USING MYCOTOXINS DEACTIVATOR WITH NATURALLY MYCOTOXINS CONTAMINATED OR NOT CONTAMINATED CORN SILAGE ON LACTATING COWS PERFORMANCE

Mycotoxins especially aflatoxin B1 and zearalenonecausea wide range of harmful effects in farm animals. The problems of mycotoxins are not only just end in the harmful effect on animal performance but also many of them become concentrated in milk and can pose a threat to human health. So, this study aimed to investigate the effect of using mycotoxin deactivator inlactating animal ration to reducing the harmful effect of micotoxins on animal performance and milk safety. A total of twentyfour primiparous and multiparous Holstein lactating cows were assigned to two groups of twelve cows each. The experiment was extended for one month and the animals were fed total mixed ration (TMR) in quantities suffusion to provide about 10% in excess of the expected daily intake for ad libitum consumption. The control group was fed TMR containing about 10% high microbiologically quality corn silage (normal silage) + mycotoxindeactivator (MD) product, while the second group was fed TMR containing about 10% low microbiologically quality corn silage (naturally contaminated with mycotoxins) + MD product. A significantly (P 0.05) differences were observed in digestibility of OM, CP, EE and NDF. No significant effect on the concentration of total protein, globulin, A/G ratio, bilirubin concentration and ALT and AST activity. Cows fed contaminated corn silage showed a decrease in the averagefeed intake andmilk production. Feeding contaminated corn silage resulted inincreased aflatoxin M1 in milk. These results support that the hygienic quality of silage is more important than using mycotoxins deactivator for animal performance, even with using low percent of contaminated feed and maintain the level of total aflatoxin and aflatoxin B1 concentration lower than the permissible limits.

Analysis of genetic and aflatoxin diversity among Aspergillus flavus isolates collected from sorghum seeds.

Thirty-four Aspergillus flavus isolates were recovered from sorghum seeds sampled across five states in India. Our study included (1) species confirmation through PCR assay, (2) quantification of total aflatoxin concentrations by the indirect competitive-ELISA (ic-ELISA) method, and (3) analysis of molecular diversity among the A. flavus isolates using β-tubulin, ITS, and ISSR markers. Among the isolates studied, 28 were found to be positive for the production of aflatoxins. ITS and β-tubulin phylogenetic analysis segregated the A. flavus sample population into two major groups or clades with little to no subdivision based on geography. In contrast, ISSR analysis also separated the A. flavus isolates into two main clusters, showing a distance of 0.0-0.5, with one cluster exhibiting a high level of diversity though no geographic or chemotype subdivision could be observed. The majority of sampled A. flavus isolates were highly toxigenic, and also highly diversified in terms of toxin-producing potential in-vitro. Genetic diversity among the sorghum isolates of A. flavus further warrants the development of appropriate farming management practices as well as improved aflatoxin detection measures in India.

Enhanced diversity and aflatoxigenicity in interspecific hybrids of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.

Aspergillus flavus and A.parasiticus are the two most important aflatoxin-producing fungi responsible for the contamination of agricultural commodities worldwide. Both species are heterothallic and undergo sexual reproduction in laboratory crosses. Here we examine the possibility of interspecific matings between A.flavus and A.parasiticus. These species can be distinguished morphologically and genetically, as well as by their mycotoxin profiles. Aspergillus flavus produces both B aflatoxins and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), B aflatoxins or CPA alone, or neither mycotoxin; Aspergillus parasiticus produces B and G aflatoxins or the aflatoxin precursor O-methylsterigmatocystin, but not CPA. Only four of forty-five attempted interspecific crosses between opposite mating types of A.flavus and A.parasiticus were fertile and produced viable ascospores. Single ascospore strains from each cross were shown to be recombinant hybrids using multilocus genotyping and array comparative genome hybridization. Conidia of parents and their hybrid progeny were haploid and predominantly monokaryons and dikaryons based on flow cytometry. Multilocus phylogenetic inference showed that experimental hybrid progeny were grouped with naturally occurring A.flavus L strain and A.parasiticus. Higher total aflatoxin concentrations in some F1 progeny strains compared to midpoint parent aflatoxin levels indicate synergism in aflatoxin production; moreover, three progeny strains synthesized G aflatoxins that were not produced by the parents, and there was evidence of allopolyploidization in one strain. These results suggest that hybridization is an important diversifying force resulting in the genesis of novel toxin profiles in these agriculturally important fungi.

Aflatoxin contamination in Haitian peanut products and maize and the safety of oil processed from contaminated peanuts

The primary objective of this study was to monitor aflatoxin contamination in Haitian samples of raw peanuts (n = 21), peanut butters (n = 32), and maize (n = 30) obtained in Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien, Haiti, during 2012 and 2013. Our secondary objective was to explore a process that uses a locally produced Haitian spirit (clarin) to transform oil from contaminated peanuts into a safe, edible product. Immuno-affinity column chromatography and fluorometry (VICAM Aflatest) detected aflatoxins in 14%, 97%, and 30% of raw peanuts, peanut butters, and maize samples, respectively, and the concentration of total aflatoxins was greatest in peanut butters (median: 137 μg/kg, maximum: 2720 μg/kg). The concentration of aflatoxin in extracted oil was on average 10% of that in un-extracted oil which, in turn, had a concentration that was only 5% of the original contaminated peanuts. Therefore, aflatoxin concentration in the final product was 99.5% less than that found in the original peanuts, even without pre-filtration. Our extraction experiments testing laboratory-grade ethanol and clarin provide evidence that the latter can serve as a low-cost alternative to effectively reduce aflatoxin concentrations in oil pressed from high aflatoxin peanuts.

Fungal Infection and Aflatoxin Contamination in Stored Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) Kernels at Various Stages of Delivery Chain in North Sulawesi Province

ABSTRACTNutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) or fragrant nutmeg is an important commodity that has been used in food industry and medicine, hence its quality should be monitored. The objectives of the research were to obtain informations on the postharvest handling of nutmeg conducted by farmers, collectors and exporters in North Sulawesi province and to investigate the occurrence of fungi (included A. flavus) and aflatoxin contamination in stored nutmeg collected from farmers, collectors and exporters in North Sulawesi province. Moisture content and percentage of damaged kernels were also investigated, because they affect fungal infection. Surveys and obtaining samples of nutmeg in different points of the delivery chain were done in April and May 2013, in three regencies (North Minahasa, Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) and Sangihe Talaud) and two cities (Bitung and Manado). Interviews were conducted during the surveys to collect informations on the postharvest handling of nutmeg in different points of the delivery chain. The total number of nutmeg samples collected from different point of the delivery chain was 76. It consisted of samples collected from farmers (25 samples), collectors (22), and exporters (29). The results showed that in general, the moisture content of nutmeg collected from North Sulawesi province was not higher than the maximum limit of moisture content determineted by SNI (10%). In general, nutmeg collected from farmers and collectors had high percentage of damaged kernels. Aspergillus niger and Endomyces fibuliger were the dominant fungi infecting nutmeg collected from farmers and collectors, while Eurotium repens was the dominant fungus infecting nutmeg collected from exporters. Aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin contents in nutmeg collected from farmers and exporters were relatively high. Based on the results of this study, the method of postharvest handling of nutmeg conducted by farmers, collectors and exporters in North Sulawesi province (North Minahasa, Sitaro and Sangihe Talaud regencies, Bitung and Manado cities) should be improved to minimize aflatoxin contamination. Keywords : aflatoxin, fungi, Myristica fragrans Houtt., nutmeg, North Sulawesi province, delivery chainÂ

Determination of aflatoxins M1, M2, B1, B2, G1 and G2 in peanut by modified QuEChERS method and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A suitable method for routine analysis of aflatoxins M1, M2, B1, B2, G1, G2 in peanut by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated. The sample preparation was performed using a triple partitioning (water/acetonitrile/hexane) modified Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method. For the first time, this method is reportedly used for aflatoxins analysis in peanut. Satisfactory recoveries ranged from 71 to 101%, with relative standard deviation lower than 15% were obtained for the target aflatoxins. The determination coefficients were ≥ 0.99 which showed good linearity. The LOD and LOQ varied from 0.03 to 0.26 ng g-1 and 0.1 to 0.88 ng g-1, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to for the determination of aflatoxins in ten peanut samples. Total aflatoxin concentration exceeded the maximum level permitted by the Brazilian regulation in one sample of roasted peanut, while aflatoxins M1 and M2 were detected respectively in three and in one of the samples. The results strongly suggest that peanuts and peanut products should be continuously monitored for the aflatoxins investigated in this work.

Uncommon occurrence ratios of aflatoxin B1, B 2, G 1, and G 2 in maize and groundnuts from Malawi.

We report an unusual aflatoxin profile in maize and groundnuts from Malawi, with aflatoxin G1 found routinely at equal or even higher levels than aflatoxin B1. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) ratio in a contaminated sample is generally greater than 50% of total aflatoxin (sum of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2). In Malawi, the aflatoxin occurrence ratios were determined by examining LC-MS/MS and HPLC fluorescence detection (FLD) data of 156 naturally contaminated raw maize and 80 groundnut samples collected in 2011 and 2012. Results showed that natural aflatoxin occurrence ratio differed. In 47% of the samples, the concentration of AFG1 was higher than that of AFB1. The mean concentration percentages of AFB1/AFB2/AFG1/AFG2 in reference to total aflatoxins were found to be 47:5:43:5%, respectively. The AFG1 and AFB1 50/50 trend was observed in maize and groundnuts and was consistent for samples collected in both years. If the AFB1 measurement was used to check compliance of total aflatoxin regulatory limit set at 10, 20, 100, and 200 μg/kg with an assumption that AFB1≥50% of the total aflatoxin content, 8, 13, 24, and 26% false negative rates would have occurred respectively. It is therefore important for legislation to consider total aflatoxins rather than AFB1 alone.

Determination and chemometric evaluation of total aflatoxin, aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A and heavy metals content in corn flours from Turkey

Concentrations of the total aflatoxin, aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1, aflatoxin G2, ochratoxin A, lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, copper, zinc and chromium in corn flour samples were determined. Eighteen corn flour samples that were obtained from different cities and villages in Turkey and 3 corn flour samples obtained from the UK. Determination of the different toxins was carried out using HPLC instrumentation after pre-separation using immunoaffinity columns that work through a mechanism of solid-phase extraction. An ICP-MS instrument was used for the heavy metal determinations. The results obtained from HPLC and ICP-MS analyses of the corn flour samples showed that these samples contain detectable levels of most of the analytes but the mercury was at undetectable levels. A very strong statistical relationship was observed between Cr and total Aflatoxin and Aflatoxin B1; whereas Ochratoxin A was related to Cu and Zn concentrations using correlation analyses and principal component analyses.

Assessment of Total Aflatoxins Level of Two Major Nuts Consumed in Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria

The main aim of this study was to determine the total aflatoxin (TAF) contents of roasted cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale), and the roasted, hulled and dehulled groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) sold and consumed in the major public areas of Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria. The items were sampled from 10 different locations based on human traffic densities and sellers of the product and then analysed for TAF contents using direct competitive Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. In the roasted cashew nuts, TAF was only dectected in samples collected at two of the locations; Wadata New Garage (0.10 µg/kg) and High-Level (0.40 µg/kg) but not detected in samples collected at the eight others. However, the detected levels were below the maximum permissible limits (MPL) of 4 µg/kg set by EU and 10.0 µg/kg set by CAC and NAFDAC, Nigeria for ‘ready to eat’ food substances. In the roasted groundnuts, levels of TAF higher than the indicated MPL were recorded in samples collected at Modern Market (12.00 µg/kg) and Railway Market (> 20.00 µg/kg) while similar result at North Bank (5.60 µg/kg) only exceeded the EU MPL. Only samples of hulled groundnuts collected at High-Level and Wurukum recorded TAF levels of 0.20 µg/kg. Dehulled groundnuts sampled at Modern market (13.10 µg/kg) and Railway market (> 20.00 µg/kg) recorded higher TAF levels than CAC and NAFDAC MPLs while similar result at North Bank (6.20 ppb) only exceeded the EU MPL. Apart from the dehulled groundnuts samples collected at the Modern market sample location which recorded a moisture level of 5.84 %; all the other samples had moisture levels below the recommended maximum safe limits of 5.80 % for stored groundnuts and cashew nuts. The results of microbial counts showed that total mesophilic bacteria varied between < 1.0 x 101 to >1.0 x 102 CFU/L, fungi varied between < 1.0 x 101 to > 1.0 x 101 CFU/L while E.coli counts varied between 0.00 to 0.43 CFU/L. The microbial contamination was generally low. However, prolonged consumption of the TAF-contaminated nuts is possible in the study area due to the rising food insecurity of majority of the populace. The chronic exposure therefore, presents health concern of aflatoxicosis.

Fungal Infestation and Mycotoxin Contamination in Camel Feedstuffs

Currently, mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi feedstuffs are known causes of animal disease. The main aims of the current research were to investigate the mycoflora associated with feed samples consumed in Saudi Arabia and evaluate the occurrence of toxigenic species. Results of mycobiota showed that most samples were contaminated by moulds belonging to the genera, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Setosphaeria, and Nuersopra. In terms of the analyzed mycotoxins, F. verticillioides was the highest producer of fumonisin, zearalenone and DON (1050, 245, and 640 μg/kg, respectively. A. alternata was the highest producer of Altenuene Alternariol (52, and 29 μg/kg, respectively). Charm ROSA quantitative lateral flow assay method was used to quantify the total aflatoxin. The aflatoxin B1 was detected between 1-3.5 ppb in the collected camel feeds samples, while, feeds samples contained the midst concentration of total aflatoxins. In conclusion, camel feedstuffs can be seriously contaminated by mycotoxigenic fungal genera as well as mycotoxins that cause serious health problems for camel and animals.

Total aflatoxins load and phytochemical composition of Cola nitida (Kola Nut) samples purchased within Jos metropolis

The total Aflatoxin load and phytochemicals in Cola nitida (kolanut) were quantified and qualified respectively. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-Colorimetric technique and standard qualitative procedure for phytochemical screening were applied. Prior to the quantification of total aflatoxins, samples were extracted using extraction mixture containing methanol and water in ratio 70:30 v/v, aflatoxin conjugate substrate solution, stop solution and aflatoxin standard were used to achieve the setout objectives of this work. Ten samples each of red and cream colour Cola nitida were purchased fresh and divided into two: a portion each of both varieties was sundried whereas others were kept in a damp place to retain moisture. InStat3 statistical software was used to analyse the data and the student’s t-test was chosen to analyse the results obtained. P value of 0.01 was considered significant. The results obtained indicated the dampened samples to be more contaminated with aflatoxins compared to the dried forms albeit relative to the maximum limit of total aflatoxins for both ready to eat food (4μg/kg) and other foods (9μg/kg), both types had higher total aflatoxin content (p<0.01). The results were: 13.3μg/kg for dried red, 16.05μg/kg for wet red, 10μg/kg for dried cream and 15.8μg/kg for wet cream. Red species appeared to have moreaflatoxin both in the damp and dried forms. Phytochemicals such as tannins, cardiac glycosides were present in all the samples. However, dried forms of the samples contained almost all the phytochemicals analysed but the damped forms did not contain resins and terpenes. The damped form of the cream coloured samples did not contain terpenes.

Serum aflatoxin levels of the healthy adult population living in the north and south regions of Turkey.

To determine the serum concentrations of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2) in the healthy adult population living in both the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions of Turkey and to investigate the regional, seasonal and gender variability in aflatoxins (AF) exposure in these regions. Serum AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 concentrations were analysed by HPLC. Settings In total, four hundred and eighty-four serum samples were analysed. Four hundred and eighty-four healthy adult volunteers living in rural areas of the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions of Turkey were studied. The mean serum concentration of total AF in the Black Sea region was 1·33 ppb (min-max 0·15-3·38 ppb) and 0·90 ppb (min-max 0·18-2·48 ppb) for summer and winter, respectively. In the Mediterranean region, the mean serum concentration of total AF was determined as 0·55 ppb (range 0·04-1·72 ppb) for summer and 0·45 ppb (range 0·12-1·43 ppb) for winter. The total AF concentrations in serum samples were statistically higher in summer compared with winter for the two regions. The differences between the regions were statistically significant concerning all samples, with higher total AF concentrations in the Black Sea region. The overall results suggest that the Turkish population living in these two regions is continuously exposed to AF, particularly in the summer, and that mycotoxin contamination in food should be monitored routinely for food safety and human health.

Survey of aflatoxin contamination in peanut products in Taiwan from 1997 to 2011

Aflatoxins are toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic compounds that contaminate various types of foods and feedstuffs. The aflatoxin levels in various kinds of peanut products in Taiwan were surveyed during the recent decade. A total of 1827 commercial peanut products were collected from different regions of Taiwan from 1997 to 2011. The samples were cleaned by immunoaffinity columns and analyzed for aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Aflatoxins were detected in 32.7% of samples with levels ranging from 0.2 μg/kg to 513.4 μg/kg. Peanut butter had the highest aflatoxin-positive incidence, followed by peanut flour, peanut candy, rice syrup, and peanuts. In addition, 6.8% of the samples had total aflatoxin concentrations (i.e., the sum of B1 + B2 + G1 + G2) that were higher than the Taiwan regulatory limit of 15 μg/kg. Among the aflatoxin-positive samples, aflatoxin B1 had the highest frequency of detection, followed by aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G2, and aflatoxin G1. This longterm survey provides valuable information on aflatoxin contamination in peanut products marketed in Taiwan.

Aflatoxins in various food from Istanbul, Turkey

The present work reports the total aflatoxin and aflatoxin B1 levels in 62 food samples from Istanbul, Turkey. The total aflatoxin content in dried American cucumber, squash, tomato, okra and saffron samples was found to be 1.7 μg/kg. AFB1 levels in five dried vegetables (red bell pepper, American cucumber, squash, tomato and okra), two tea (linden and jasmine flower) and three spice samples (cardamom, galangal and saffron) were 1 μg/kg. Of the tested samples, 76% exceeded legal limits of total aflatoxin. The highest levels were determined in chestnut (232.9 μg/kg), nutmeg (206.1 μg/kg) and sumac (182.5 μg/kg). These findings confirm the existing knowledge that food should be regularly and effectively controlled.

Effect of Magnetic Field Energy on Growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxins production

The study was conducted to determine the impact of the magnetic field poles on aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus. The subjected fungus to the northern pole, southern pole, both poles and their influences were compared with the control at which the fungus was not affected by magnetic field energy. Aspergillus flavus was influenced by magnetic field energy which applied through a magnet at different forces (5, 7,10,30,50 Gauss) for seven days at temperature of 27 o C. There are no different between the uses of magnate with 5 or 50 Gauss. The effect of magnetic field poles was observed on the growth of Aspergillus flavus on solid and liquid media. The southern pole had a positive effect on the growth of Aspergillus flavus by increasing the diameter of the colony or the turbidity of growth medium, while the northern pole had a negative influence on the growth of A. flavus, diameter or the turbidity, while the treatment of northern and southern poles together and the control treatment are equal. The most important conclusion that have been observed was the effect of magnetic field poles on the concentration of total aflatoxin produced by A. flavus, which was 454.73 ppb (when treated with southern pole) and 25.40 ppb (when treated with northern pole) while the control 212.46 ppb and both poles 88.33 ppb by using ELISA technique.

Phage-Displayed Peptide That Mimics Aflatoxins and Its Application in Immunoassay

To search for an alternative to using protein conjugated aflatoxin as a coating antigen in aflatoxin detection by an ELISA method, a random-8-peptide library was constructed and used as a source of peptides that mimic aflatoxins (termed as mimotopes). Five mimotope peptides were obtained by panning-elution from the library and were successfully used in an indirect competitive ELISA for analyzing total aflatoxin concentration. The assay exhibited an IC50 value of 14 μg/kg in samples (with 1 in 7 dilution of sample extract) for aflatoxins. The linear range is 4-24 μg/kg. Further validation indicated relatively good recovery (60-120%) in peanut, rice and corn. Natural contaminated samples (peanut and feedstuff) were analyzed for aflatoxin concentration by both conventional ELISA and phage ELISA. The results showed good correlation. It can be concluded that the mimotope preparation is an effective substitute for the aflatoxin based coating antigen in ELISA and can be used in real sample analysis.

Effect of Fermentation Process on Nutritional Composition and Aflatoxins Concentration of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Doklu&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, a Fermented Maize Based Food

Investigations were carried out to determine the influence of spontaneous fermentations as achieved at household level on the nutrients composition and aflatoxins concentration of maize during the processing into doklu, a fermented maize food product consumed in Cote d’Ivoire with legumes, soup and fried fish. Results showed that maize grains contained aflatoxin B1, G1 and G2 and that during fermentation all physicochemical parameters significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased except moisture and total titratable acidity contents which were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased. Fermentation also caused significant reduction in the concentration of total aflatoxins (72%), with the most important reduction in aflatoxin B1 (80%) after the soaking of maize grains. However, no aflatoxin was detected after 24 hours of fermentation until the final product was obtained. Despite the losses in some nutritional compounds, the fermented product, doklu, was found to have appreciable nutritional quality.