Cyclodextrins as selectors for mycotoxin recognition

Abstract

This review deals with the applications of cyclodextrins as selectors for mycotoxin recognition. Complexation by cyclodextrins via formation of inclusion (host-guest) complexes induces significant changes in the physical and chemical properties of mycotoxins as guest molecules, effects that can be used in a variety of analytical techniques. Changes in chromatographic and electrophoretic properties and their applications to set up new separation methods are covered. Among these changes, a significant effect is the enhancement of the mycotoxin fluorescence upon inclusion, a phenomenon which provides a simple and convenient method to significantly increase the sensitivity of fluorescence-based trace analysis. The practical application of this phenomenon to set up new analytical methods is described. Studies on the mechanism of inclusion complex formation are also reported.