Mycotoxin Screening Can Help Prevent Contamination to Animal Feed

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Image credit: Random Food

Using Biochip Array Technology means that only one sample preparation is required for all 10 toxins, and is ready for testing within 20 minutes with no need for immunoaffinity columns. This saves the user time compared to alternative methods where a separate sample preparation is required for each toxin. The biochip carrier is inserted into the imaging station of the semi-automated Evidence Investigator analyzer (see Image 2). The chemiluminescent signal from each discrete test region on the surface of the nine biochips contained in a carrier is simultaneously detected and recorded using a charge-coupled device camera. Image processing, quantification, and validation are carried out by instrument specific software. Specialist software, designed in-house by Randox Food, will then translate data into a quantifiable result per toxin.

Randox Food offers a range of multi-analyte biochip arrays for the detection of mycotoxins. The company also offers the customizable MycoFlex, allowing the user flexibility to choose any combination of toxins from the 10 most prevalent (minimum of three). This provides laboratories with the flexibility to test only those mycotoxins of concern, which means that arrays can be specified to screen for particular mycotoxins depending on factors such as storage or harvest conditions.

Another tool for detecting mycotoxins is enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening. Randox Food offers various ELISAs, currently available for ergot alkaloids and aflatoxin B1.

A growing awareness of the issues surrounding mycotoxins in animal feed has resulted in an increase in available screening technologies on the market, used to ensure that levels are adequately monitored. With global controls on food safety and contaminants becoming ever more complex, having the right technology is key to meeting those challenges now and in the future.

Winter is marketing executive at Randox Food Diagnostics. Reach her at [email protected].