Fumonisin B1 Research Articles

Assessing the in vitro efficiency in adsorbing mycotoxins of a tri-octahedral bentonite with potential application in aquaculture feed

The use of mycotoxin binders in feed products is currently the most efficient method to mitigate the harmful effects of mycotoxins. The unprecedented growth of aquaculture in recent years has led to an increased use of plant-based ingredients in fish feeds, thereby raising the risk of mycotoxin exposure. This study investigates the in vitro adsorption efficiency of a tri-octahedral bentonite against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN), and fumonisin B1 (FB1) in simulated gastric (pH = 1.2) and intestinal (pH = 6.8) fluids at 25 °C, the usual body temperature in aquaculture fish species. The binder was highly effective, removing over 98% of AFB1 from both media. FB1 was completely adsorbed at pH = 1.2, while its adsorption at pH = 6.8 reached a maximum of 46.3%. ZEN binding was consistent across both pH levels, ranging from 56.1% to 69.7%. Nine equilibrium isotherm functions were fitted to the experimental data to elucidate the adsorption mechanisms. A Sips model isotherm best characterized AFB1 adsorption in simulated gastric fluid, whereas that of ZEN was best described by the Freundlich model. In simulated intestinal fluid (pH = 6.8), monolayer adsorption described by the Langmuir model provided the best fit for all three mycotoxins.

Transfer of deoxynivalenol and fumonisins B1 and B2 from maize flour to maize/wheat-based bread

Transfer of deoxynivalenol and fumonisins B1 and B2 from maize flour to maize/wheat-based bread

Self-powered photoelectrochemical aptasensor based on in situ topological conversion of Bi2O2S/Bi2S3 for sensitive detection of fumonisin B1

Self-powered photoelectrochemical aptasensor based on in situ topological conversion of Bi2O2S/Bi2S3 for sensitive detection of fumonisin B1

Deep Learning-Assisted Fluorescence Single-Particle Detection of Fumonisin B1 Powered by Entropy-Driven Catalysis and Argonaute.

Timely and accurate detection of trace mycotoxins in agricultural products and food is significant for ensuring food safety and public health. Herein, a deep learning-assisted and entropy-driven catalysis (EDC)-Argonaute powered fluorescence single-particle aptasensing platform was developed for ultrasensitive detection of fumonisin B1 (FB1) using single-stranded DNA modified with biotin and red fluorescence-encoded microspheres as a signal probe and streptavidin-conjugated magnetic beads as separation carriers. The binding of aptamer with FB1 releases the trigger sequence to mediate EDC cycle to produce numerous 5'-phosphorylated output sequences, which can be used as the guide DNA to activate downstream Thermus thermophilus Argonaute (TtAgo) for cleaving the signal probe, resulting in increased number of fluorescence microspheres remaining in the final reaction supernatant after magnetic separation. Subsequently, through fast and accurate counting of red bright particles in the captured confocal fluorescence images from the supernatant via a YOLOv9 deep learning model, the sensitive and specific detection of FB1 could be realized. This approach has a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.89 pg/mL with a linear range from 1 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL, and satisfactory recovery (87.2-113.5%) in real food samples indicates its practicality. The integration of the aptamer and EDC with TtAgo broadens the target range of Argonaute and enhances sensitivity. Furthermore, incorporating deep learning significantly improves the analytical efficiency of single-particle detection. This work provides a promising analytical strategy in biosensing and promotes the application of fluorescence single-particle detection in food safety monitoring.

Mycotoxin exposure through the consumption of processed cereal food for children (< 5 years old) from rural households of Oshana, a region of Namibia

Mycotoxin exposure from contaminated food is a significant global health issue, particularly among vulnerable children. Given limited data on mycotoxin exposure among Namibian children, this study investigated mycotoxin types and levels in foods, evaluated dietary mycotoxin exposure from processed cereal foods in children under age five from rural households in Oshana region, Namibia. Mycotoxins in cereal-based food samples (n = 162) (mahangu flour (n = 35), sorghum flour (n = 13), mahangu thin/thick porridge (n = 54), oshikundu (n = 56), and omungome (n = 4)) were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1, 35.8%), zearalenone (27.2%), fumonisin B1 (FB1, 24.1%), citrinin (CIT, 12.4%) and deoxynivalenol (10.5%) were the major mycotoxins quantified. Food samples (35.8% (n = 58) and 6.2% (n = 10)) exceeded the 0.1 µg/kg AFB1 and 200 µg/kg FB1 EU limit for children’s food, respectively. Several emerging mycotoxins including the neurotoxic 3-nitropropionic acid, moniliformin (MON), and tenuazonic acid were quantified in over 50% of all samples. Co-occurrence of AFB1, CIT, and FB1 detected in 4.9% (n = 8) samples, which could heighten food safety concerns. Regarding exposure assessment and risk characterization, average probable dietary intake for AFB1 from all ready-to-eat-foods was 0.036 µg/kg bw/day, which resulted in margin of exposures (MOE) of 11 and 0.65 risk cancer cases/year/100,000 people, indicating a risk of chronic aflatoxicosis. High tolerable daily intake values for FB1, and MOE for beauvericin and MON exceeded reference values. Consumption of a diversified diet and interventions including timely planting and harvesting, best grain storage, and other standard postharvest food handling practices are needed to mitigate mycotoxin exposure through contaminated cereal foods and to safeguard the health of the rural children in Namibia.

Metabolomics and Lipidomics Reveal the Metabolic Disorders Induced by Single and Combined Exposure of Fusarium Mycotoxins in IEC-6 Cells.

Deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B1 (FB1), and zearalenone (ZEN) are typical fusarium mycotoxins that occur worldwide in foodstuffs, posing significant health hazards to humans and animals. Single and combined exposure of DON, FB1, and ZEN leads to intestinal toxicity but the toxicology mechanism research is still limited. In this study, we explored the cytotoxicity effects of DON, FB1, ZEN, and their combination in rat intestinal epithelial cell line 6 (IEC-6) cells. Cell viability results showed that the cytotoxicity potency ranking was DON > ZEN > FB1. Furthermore, both DON + FB1 and DON + ZEN presented synergism to antagonism effects based on a combination index (CI)-isobologram equation model. Integrated metabolomics and lipidomics was adopted to explore cell metabolism disorders induced by fusarium mycotoxin exposure. A total of 2011 metabolites and 670 lipids were identified. An overlap of 37 and 62 differential compounds was confirmed after single and combined mycotoxin exposure by multivariate analysis, respectively. Some of the differential compounds were endocellular antioxidants and were significantly downregulated in mycotoxin exposure groups, indicating metabolic disorders as well as antioxidant capacity damage in cells. Pathway enrichment analysis annotated ethanol metabolism production of ROS by CYP2E1 was mainly involved in the disturbance of DON, FB1, and ZEN. The results obtained in this study help to define the toxicity effects of DON, FB1, and ZEN singly and in co-existence, providing an important scientific basis for combined risk recognition of mycotoxin contamination.

Development of an ex vivo model to assess the impact of fumonisin B1 on swine intestinal morphology.

This study was conducted to assess the effects of fumonisin B1 (FB1) on the jejunum of pigs using a novel ex vivo model conducted in parallel with an in vivo trial. For the in vivo model, twelve male 28 to 70-days-old pigs were subjected to two treatments of six animals each: the control group, fed a basal diet (BD), and the FB1 group, fed the BD + 50 mg/kg FB1. At 70 days, the animals were slaughtered and one jejunal sample was collected from each pig for further histopathological analyses. Other four male pigs from the in vivo control treatment were slaughtered at 70 days for the ex vivo model. Four jejunal explants were collected from each pig, totaling 16 intestinal explants, which were subjected to two treatments, with 8 explants each, using an Ussing Chamber (UC) system: the control group, subjected to buffer solution (BS), and the FB1 group, subjected to BS + 50 mg/L FB1. Samples from in vivo and ex vivo models were analyzed for histopathological parameters and subjective intestinal assessments. The FB1 group presented lower (P < 0.05) villi height than the control group in both in vivo and ex vivo. A decrease (P < 0.05) in the villi number, crypt depth, enterocyte height and enterocyte nucleus size was also observed in the FB1 group ex vivo, with a higher severity score of lymphatic vessels dilation than the control (P = 0.0459). The FB1 group also tended to increase the goblet cells count (P = 0.0736) ex vivo as well as to decrease the crypt width (P = 0.0638) in vivo. The ex vivo model exhibited similar mean values and statistical responses to those observed in vivo, demonstrating its potential as an alternative approach for assessing the effects of mycotoxins in a reduced number of animals.

Fungal chemical warfare: the role of aflatoxin and fumonisin in governing the interaction between the maize pathogens, Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides.

The mycotoxigenic fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides, commonly co-colonize maize in the field, yet their direct interactions at the chemical communication level have not been well characterized. Here, we examined if and how the two most infamous mycotoxins produced by these species, aflatoxin and fumonisin, respectively, govern interspecies growth and mycotoxin production. We showed that fumonisin producing strains of F. verticillioides suppressed the growth of A. flavus while non-producers did not. Additionally, while aflatoxin did not inhibit F. verticillioides growth, it did suppress fumonisin production. Fumonisin B1 concentration levels plummeted when challenged with a high dose of aflatoxin B1 or with an aflatoxin producing strain. With these findings, expression of the genetic regulators of secondary metabolism was investigated for both fungi. While no strong effect was seen on genes in the aflatoxin biosynthetic gene cluster when exposed to fumonisin B1, the fumonisin repressor FvZBD1, which is adjacent to the cluster, was induced with expression proportionate to concentration when F. verticillioides was challenged with aflatoxin B1. We also assessed the expression of the global regulators of fungal secondary metabolism, veA and laeA, and found that their expression is altered in both A. flavus and F. verticillioides when exposed to their competitor's mycotoxin. This work gives insight into the ecological roles of mycotoxins and why these fungi may produce them as weapons in the interspecies battle for resource acquisition.

Aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, and fumonisin B1 detoxification from poultry feeds by corona discharge application

Objective: The efficiency of corona discharge (CD) for detoxification of aflatoxin B1 (AB1), ochra¬toxin A (OA), and fumonisin B1 (FMB1) from poultry feeds with its influences on feed components was investigated. Materials and Methods: Feed samples were exposed to CD for six durations (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min) at three distances (1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 cm). Mycotoxin levels were estimated by compet¬itive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and findings were substantiated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: AB1, OA, and FMB1 degradation percentages increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) with pro¬cessing times increment and distances reduction to reach values of 83.22%, 84.21%, and 84.76% at the first distance; 80.28%, 84.00%, and 84.12% at the second distance; and 68.30%, 71.74%, and 76.18% at the third distance, respectively, after 60 min of treatment. FMB1 reported the highest degradation level. Concerning CD impacts on feed composition, protein, fat, and moisture contents decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05). Carbohydrates and ash were not affected adversely. Depending on peroxide values estimation, fats were of good quality. Conclusion: The CD effectiveness for AB1, OA, and FMB1 detox from poultry feeds with moderate impact on the quality of feed.

AdipoRon ameliorates chronic ethanol induced cardiac necroptosis by reducing ceramide mediated mtROS.

Chronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption has been widely recognized as a significant contributor to cardiotoxicity. However, no specific treatment is currently available to ameliorate chronic ethanol induced cardiotoxicity. Adiponectin receptor agonist AdipoRon exerts protective effects in multiple organs through alleviating lipotoxicity. Our previous study showed that chronic ethanol consumption increased de novo ceramide synthesis and necroptosis in myocardium. In this study, we investigated the role of AdipoRon on ceramide metabolism and necroptosis in chronic ethanol-treated myocardium. Eight-week-old C57/BL6J mice were fed with a Lieber-Decarli diet containing vehicle or AdipoRon for 12 weeks. Cardiac function, histology and oxidative stress were assessed. We found that chronic ethanol treatment decreased expression of AdipoR2 in myocardium and H9c2 cells, whereas AdipoRon improved cardiac function, reduced myocardium ceramide levels and suppressed necroptosis. By pharmacological interventions, RNA interference and point mutations in AdipoR2, we demonstrated that AdipoRon reduced ceramide levels through PPARα mediated lipid metabolism rather than AdipoR2's ceramidase activity. Using transmission electron microscope and reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining, we showed that chronic ethanol induced myocardium mitochondria damage and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) accumulation. Meanwhile, we found that AdipoRon ameliorated chronic ethanol induced cardiac necroptosis via the SIRT3-SOD2-mtROS pathway. Moreover, C6 ceramide treatment recapitulated chronic ethanol in inducing mtROS and necroptosis, whereas the ceramide synthesis inhibitors myriocin (MYR) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) attenuated chronic ethanol induced mtROS and necroptosis. Collectively, AdipoRon ameliorates chronic ethanol induced cardiac necroptosis by reducing ceramide de novo synthesis and mtROS, which highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting ceramide metabolism and oxidative stress pathways in treating ethanol induced cardiotoxicity.

Understanding the molecular mechanism of fumonisin esterases by kinetic and structural studies.

Fumonisins are sphingolipid-like mycotoxins that cause serious damage by contaminating food and feed. The tricarballylic acid (TCA) units of fumonisin B1 (FB1; accounting for 70% of fumonisin contamination) can be removed by fumonisin B1 esterase (FE, EC 3.1.1.87) providing a biotechnological FB1 detoxification possibility. Here, we report the regioselective cleavage of the TCA ester at C6 in the first step of FB1 hydrolysis and kinetic characterization for two FEs. The low KM values (4.76-44.3μM) are comparable to concentrations of environmental contaminations, and the high catalytic efficiencies are promising for practical applications. The X-ray structure of one of the FEs enabled the understanding of the FB1 hydrolysis at molecular level and revealed an arginine pocket key for substrate binding, and the catalytic role of the glutamate preceding the catalytic serine. Computations showed that this FE is likely capable of detoxifying any fumonisin indicating its potential applicability in food and feed products.

Sensitive ratiometric detection of Fumonisin B1 using a reusable Ag-pSi SERS platform.

Food and agricultural commodities endure consistent contamination by mycotoxins, low molecular weight fungal metabolites, which pose severe health implications to humans together with staggering economic losses. Herein, a ratiometric aptasensor was constructed using silver-coated porous silicon (Ag-pSi) used as an efficient surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. The bioassay included direct detection of fumonisin B1 (FB1), an abundant and widespread contaminant, by a specific aptamer sequence immobilized on the porous transducer. The inherent surface void and pore morphology were physically optimized to achieve a sufficient SERS effect (enhancement factor>5×107). Under optimal conditions, the aptasensor exhibits high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, signal stability, selectivity and regeneration for consecutive FB1 detection (0.05ppb, 0.1-1000ppb, RSD of 5.2%, no interference with competing mycotoxins and eight regeneration cycles, respectively). The efficacy of the designed aptasensor was elucidated in various spiked matrices (maize, onion, wheat and milk) with averaged recovery values of 93.3-113.6% and satisfactory consistency with HPLC data for representative foodstuffs. Overall, the resulting validation emphasizes the transducer's reliability and suitability for practical use, including on-site analysis.

Mechanism of fumonisin B1 on growth performance and intestinal structural integrity of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Mechanism of fumonisin B1 on growth performance and intestinal structural integrity of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Fumonisin B1 neurotoxicity: Preclinical evidence, biochemical mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

Fumonisin B1 neurotoxicity: Preclinical evidence, biochemical mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

A Review of the Mycotoxin Family of Fumonisins, Their Biosynthesis, Metabolism, Methods of Detection and Effects on Humans and Animals.

Fumonisins, a class of mycotoxins predominantly produced by Fusarium species, represent a major threat to food safety and public health due to their widespread occurrence in staple crops including peanuts, wine, rice, sorghum, and mainly in maize and maize-based food and feed products. Although fumonisins occur in different groups, the fumonisin B series, particularly fumonisin B1 (FB1) and fumonisin B2 (FB2), are the most prevalent and toxic in this group of mycotoxins and are of public health significance due to the many debilitating human and animal diseases and mycotoxicosis they cause and their classification as by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a class 2B carcinogen (probable human carcinogen). This has made them one of the most regulated mycotoxins, with stringent regulatory limits on their levels in food and feeds destined for human and animal consumption, especially maize and maize-based products. Numerous countries have regulations on levels of fumonisins in foods and feeds that are intended to protect human and animal health. However, there are still gaps in knowledge, especially with regards to the molecular mechanisms underlying fumonisin-induced toxicity and their full impact on human health. Detection of fumonisins has been advanced through various methods, with immunological approaches such as Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) and lateral flow immunoassays being widely used for their simplicity and adaptability. However, these methods face challenges such as cross-reactivity and matrix interference, necessitating the need for continued development of more sensitive and specific detection techniques. Chromatographic methods, including HPLC-FLD, are also employed in fumonisin analysis but require meticulous sample preparation and derivitization due to the low UV absorbance of fumonisins. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the fumonisin family, focusing on their biosynthesis, occurrence, toxicological effects, and levels of contamination found in foods and the factors affecting their presence. It also critically evaluates the current methods for fumonisin detection and quantification, including chromatographic techniques and immunological approaches such as ELISA and lateral flow immunoassays, highlighting the challenges associated with fumonisin detection in complex food matrices and emphasizing the need for more sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective detection methods.

Early Biomarkers for Detecting Subclinical Exposure to Fumonisin B1, Deoxynivalenol, and Zearalenone in Broiler Chickens.

Identifying biomarkers of mycotoxin effects in chickens will provide an opportunity for early intervention to reduce the impact of mycotoxicosis. This study aimed to identify whether serum enzyme concentrations, gut integrity, and liver miRNAs can be potential biomarkers for fumonisin B1 (FB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEA) toxicity in broiler birds as early as 14 days after exposure. A total of 720 male broiler chicks were distributed to six treatment groups: T1: control group (basal diet), T2 (2 FB1 + 2.5 DON + 0.9 ZEA), T3 (5 FB1 + 0.4 DON + 0.1 ZEA), T4 (9 FB1 + 3.5 DON + 0.7 ZEA), T5 (17 FB1 + 1.0 DON + 0.2 ZEA), and T6 (21 FB1 + 3.0 DON + 1.0 ZEA), all in mg/kg diet. On d14, there were no significant differences in the body weight gain (BWG) of mycotoxin treatment groups when compared to the control (p > 0.05), whereas on d21, T6 birds showed significantly reduced BWG compared to the control (p < 0.05). On d14, birds in T6 showed significant upregulation of liver miRNAs, gga-let-7a-5p (14.17-fold), gga-miR-9-5p (7.05-fold), gga-miR-217-5p (16.87-fold), gga-miR-133a-3p (7.41-fold), and gga-miR-215-5p (6.93-fold) (p < 0.05) and elevated serum fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-d) concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatine kinase (CK) levels compared to the control (p < 0.05). On d21, T2 to T6 birds exhibited reduced serum phosphorus, glucose, and potassium, while total protein, FITC-d, AST, and CK levels increased compared to control (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that serum FITC-d, AST, CK, and liver miRNAs could serve as biomarkers for detecting mycotoxin exposure in broiler chickens.

The palmitoyl-CoA ligase Fum16 is part of a Fusarium verticillioides fumonisin subcluster involved in self-protection.

Fusarium verticillioides produces the mycotoxin fumonisin B1 (FB1), which disrupts sphingolipid biosynthesis by inhibiting ceramide synthase and affects the health of plants, animals, and humans. The means by which F. verticillioides protects itself from its own mycotoxin are not completely understood. Some fumonisin (FUM) cluster genes do not contribute to the biosynthesis of the compound, but their function has remained enigmatic. Recently, we showed that FUM17, FUM18, and FUM19 encode two ceramide synthases and an ATP-binding cassette transporter, respectively, which play a role in antagonizing the toxicity mediated by FB1. In the present work, we uncovered functions of two adjacent genes, FUM15 and FUM16. Using homologous and heterologous expression systems, in F. verticillioides and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, respectively, we provide evidence that both contribute to protection against FB1. Our data indicate a potential role for the P450 monooxygenase Fum15 in the modification and detoxification of FB1 since the deletion and overexpression of the respective gene affected extracellular FB1 levels in both hosts. Furthermore, relative quantification of ceramide intermediates and an in vitro enzyme assay revealed that Fum16 is a functional palmitoyl-CoA ligase. It co-localizes together with the ceramide synthase Fum18 to the endoplasmic reticulum, where they contribute to sphingolipid biosynthesis. Thereby, FUM15-19 constitute a subcluster within the FUM biosynthetic gene cluster dedicated to the fungal self-protection against FB1.IMPORTANCEThe study identifies a five-gene FUM subcluster (FUM15-19) in Fusarium verticillioides involved in self-protection against FB1. FUM16 (palmitoyl-CoA ligase), FUM17, and FUM18 (ceramide synthases) enzymatically supplement ceramide biosynthesis, while FUM19 (ATP-binding cassette transporter) acts as a repressor of the FUM cluster. The evolutionary conservation of FUM15 (P450 monooxygenase) in Fusarium and Aspergillus FUM clusters is discussed, and its effect on extracellular FB1 levels in both native (F. verticillioides) and heterologous (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) hosts is highlighted. These findings enhance our understanding of mycotoxin self-protection mechanisms and could inform strategies for predicting biological activity of unknown secondary metabolites, managing mycotoxin contamination, and developing resistant crop cultivars.

Validation of the 11+ Myco MS-PREP® Method for Determination of Aflatoxins, Fumonisins, Deoxynivalenol, Ochratoxin A, Zearalenone, HT-2, and T-2 Toxins in Cereals, Baby Food, Spices, and Animal Feed by Immunoaffinity Column with LC-MS/MS: AOAC Performance Tested MethodsSM 112401.

The 11+Myco MS-PREP® Immunoaffinity Column (IAC) contains a gel suspension of monoclonal antibodies specific to the toxins of interest. Following sample extraction, the IAC is used for cleanup and concentration of mycotoxins prior to analysis by Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This study evaluated the IAC with LC-MS/MS method for Performance Tested Methods SM certification for simultaneous determination and confirmation of Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1; Deoxynivalenol, Fumonisins B1, B2, and B3; Ochratoxin A; T-2; HT-2; and Zearalenone from corn, wheat, cereal-based baby food (with and without dairy ingredients), paprika, chili powder and animal feed. A single extraction method using 50% Acetonitrile and water was used for all matrixes. The Method Developer validated all matrixes and an independent laboratory verified method performance on corn and animal feed. Data were analyzed for recovery, repeatability precision, LOD, LOQ, confirmation of identity, and method selectivity. Recovery (72%-138%) and repeatability (0.46%-24%), with the exception of sporadic data points, were within acceptance criteria. LOQ was estimated as AFB1 0.018-0.32 ꙡg/kg, AFB2 0.037-0.28 ꙡg/kg, AFG1 0.019-0.14 ꙡg/kg, AFG2 0.036-0.28 ꙡg/kg, DON 4.0-75 ꙡg/kg, Fumonisin B1 4.9-37 ꙡg/kg, Fumonisin B2 4.0-32 ꙡg/kg, Fumonisin B3 2.0-16 ꙡg/kg, OTA 0.15-4.4 ꙡg/kg, T-2 0.5-7.5 ꙡg/kg, HT-2 0.70- 7.5 ꙡg/kg), and ZON 1.3-7.2 ꙡg/kg), depending on matrix. Method performance was verified with reference and quality control materials. Selectivity and confirmation of identity were also demonstrated. The 11+Myco MS-PREP® IAC with LC-MS/MS method demonstrated acceptable performance for simultaneous determination of 12 mycotoxins in 7 matrixes. The data were reviewed by the AOAC Performance Tested Methods SM Program and approval was granted for certification of the 11+Myco MS-PREP® Method as PTM 112401.

Assessment of mycotoxins in infant flour and their decontamination in raw material during production processes in Ouagadougou.

The infant flours produced in Burkina Faso are essentially a mixture of cereals and legumes. These raw materials are frequently contaminated with mycotoxins which pose a huge food safety and public health threat. The objective of this study was to determine mycotoxin levels in raw materials and infant flours in Ouagadougou and to investigate the impact of decontamination on the raw materials used in infant flour production. A total of 22 cereals and 17 legumes as raw materials and 26 infant flour samples were analysed for aflatoxins, fumonisin B1 (FB1), and ochratoxin A (OTA) by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, while saline treatment and hand-sorting of grains in mycotoxin reduction were tested. All the samples of raw materials and infant flours were contaminated with aflatoxins, whereas 20.5% and 38.5% of raw materials and 57.7% and 61.5% of infant flours, respectively, were contaminated by FB1 and OTA. These decontamination assays significantly reduced the levels of mycotoxins. AFB1 was reduced by 48% after soaking of maize for 6h in a 6% NaCl solution. Sorting resulted in a 92% reduction in AFB1 content in peanut. However, soaking in saline solution did not reduce the FB1 and OTA contents. Sorting did not also reduce FB1 contents in peanut. Sorting and soaking in 6% saline solution for 6h are production processes that lead to a reduction in the level of contamination by aflatoxins in maize and peanut used as raw materials for infant flour production.

Mycotoxins contamination of grape wines marketed in the Russian Federation

Grape wine is one of the most popular and widespread alcoholic beverages around the world. Contamination of grapes used in its preparation by mold fungi can lead to accumulation of mycotoxins that are harmful to human health. Due to their high toxicity of grape wines and potential health risks, the aim of this study was to investigate the contamination of grape wines sold in Russia with a wide range of toxins and to assess the population health risk associated with their consumption. The concentration of 27 mycotoxins in 36 samples of grape wines was determined by high-performance liquid chroma-tography coupled to tandem mass-spectrometric detection. The list of mycotoxins included regulated ones, their derivatives and structural analogs, as well as emergent mycotoxins (Alternaria toxins, citrinin, sterigmatocistin, cyclopiazonic and mycophenolic acids, moniliformin, enniatins, beauvericin). The resulting data indicated contamination of grape wines consumed in Russia with mycotoxins. Thirty-one percent of the samples contained toxins at relatively low levels of contamination. Aflatoxin G2, altenuene, mycophenolic acid and sterigmato-cystin were detected more often than other toxins; in some cases, zearalenone, tenuazonic acid and ochratoxin A. Red wine samples were the most contaminated with mycotoxins. Fumonisin B1, zearalenone, sterigmatocystin, altenuene and ochratoxin A were found only in imported wine samples. Several toxins were found simultaneously in four tested wine samples. Despite a relatively low level of mycotoxin contamination of wine marketed in the Russian Federation, there is still a potential hazard of their chronic ingestion by humans. The calculated average intake of aflatoxins may reach 28 % of the reference value and the maximum intake can even exceed it. The calculated exposure of other mycotoxins detected in wine samples indicates an insignificant contribution of grape wine (up to 2.8 % of the reference value) to their intake by the Russian population.