Comparison of elisa and HPLC methods for the detection of mycotoxins by analysing proficiency test results

Abstract

Different analytical techniques for the detection of mycotoxins have been developed in order to control the levels of mycotoxins in food and feed. Conventional analytical methods for mycotoxin determination are involving techniques such as thinlayer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC). Also, rapid methods for mycotoxin analysis have become increasingly important. Enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) is one of the most common rapid methods for determination of these natural contaminants. The aim of this study was to provide a comparison between two different methods of analysis (HPLC and ELISA) for the detection of different mycotoxins using data that originate from commercial proficiency tests. Based on the statistical evaluation of the results for both methods, in three proficiency tests for various mycotoxins (aflatoxins, ochratoxin and zearalenone), it could be concluded that both techniques can equally be used, although ELISA is considered to be the screening one.