Detection of T-2 Toxin in Wheat and Maize with a Portable Mass Spectrometer

Abstract

T-2 toxin is a mycotoxin routinely found as a contaminant of cereal grains worldwide. A portable mass spectrometer was adapted to enable the detection of T-2 toxin in wheat and maize by APCI-MS. In order to facilitate rapid testing, a rapid cleanup was used. The method was able to detect T-2 toxin in soft white wheat, hard red wheat, and yellow dent maize and could be used to screen for T-2 at levels above 0.2 mg/kg. The HT-2 toxin was only detectable at very high levels (>0.9 mg/kg). Based on these results, the sensitivity was not sufficient to allow the application of the screening method to these commodities at levels recommended by the European Commission. With a cut-off level of 0.107 mg/kg, the method correctly classified nine of ten reference samples of wheat and maize. The results suggest that portable MS detection of T-2 toxin is feasible. However, additional research will be needed to develop an application sensitive enough to meet regulatory requirements.

T-2 and HT-2 Toxins: Toxicity, Occurrence and Analysis: A Review

“…However, the authors stated that a similar assay with anti-IC antibodies could also be developed for T-2 that would allow for an accurate multiplex measurement [ 124 ]. The group of Zhang et al [ 151 ] then developed what they referred to as a competitive amplified luminescent proximity homogenous assay (AlphaLISA) using a T-2 antibody, which negates the need for washing the plate and results in a low coefficient of variation. Although the authors did not specify the cross-reactivity of the antibody with HT-2, the detection range of both was identical, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 2.28 ng/mL and 2.75 ng/mL for T-2 and HT-2, respectively [ 151 ].…”

Recent Advances in the Detection of Food Toxins Using Mass Spectrometry

“…Some of the recent advancements have shown the availability of portable MS systems for detection and monitoring. Maragos 131 has evaluated the potential of portable MS (APCI-MS) for the detection of T-2 toxin mycotoxin in contaminated cereal grains, wheat, and maize by APCI-MS. The sample was extracted with acetonitrile+water (84:16, v/v) followed by drying and reconstitution in ammonium formate.…”