MycoKey developments in (multi)mycotoxin rapid screening methods

Abstract: Mycotoxin analytical methods in food matrices include rapid screening and confirmation techniques. Development of both quantitative (ELISA, FLISA, FPIA, immunosensors) and qualitative (lateral flow, membrane-based flow-through) systems for (multi)mycotoxin detection is one of the fast-growing trends. Developments of various recognition elements as well as novel sensitive labels are currently ongoing in order to design a reliable and rapid test-system. The Mycokey project aims for the development of different (multi)mycotoxin rapid screening methods. The presentation will highlight the current developments: 1. a multiplex strip test for easy and rapid simultaneous determination of Fusarium toxins (fumonisins, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone) in cereals; 2. DNA aptamer based strip tests for simultaneous analysis of aflatoxin B1 and fumonisinB1 in maize making use of quantum dots as highly sensitive labels; 3. fluorescence polarization immunoassay for the quantitativesimultaneous determination of DON, 3-acetyl-DON, 15-acetyl-DON and DON-3-glucoside in wheat; 4. fluorescence polarization immunoassay for the quantitative simultaneous determination ofT-2, HT-2, T2-glucoside and HT2-glucoside in wheat; and 5. a new biosensor platform for the detection of AFB1 based on real-time electrochemical profiling (REP). Moreover, a MycoKey survey was performed for the collection and sharing of current knowledge and experience on rapid methods for mycotoxin screening. This, together with some lessons learned during the MycoKey round table discussion on mycotoxin detection methods will promote interactive discussions between scientist involved in rapid method development and stakeholders as to provide rapid methods that fit the customers' needs and expectations.