Simple Method for Simultaneous Detection of Aflatoxin and Zearalenone in Corn

Abstract

A method is described for the simultaneous detection of aflatoxin and zearalenone in corn at 5 and 200 ppb, respectively. No evaporation of solvent is required and the procedure is simple enough to be considered for use at marketing locations. The presence or absence of these mycotoxins can be determined in 10–20 min/sample. The procedure involves an initial blender extraction with methanol, partitioning of fat and pigments into 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane (Freon-113) from an aqueous ammonium sulfate layer, followed by extraction of aflatoxin from the aqueous layer with chlorobenzene. The chlorobenzene extract can be spotted directly onto a thin layer chromatographic plate which requires only 4 min development. Concentrations of aflatoxin and zearalenone can be estimated by visual comparison of sample spots with standards.