Immunochromatography of group a trichothecene mycotoxins

Abstract

A new approach involving the use of ELISA as a post‐column monitoring system for HPLC for the analysis of different group A trichothecenes was developed. Various group A trichothecenes were first separated on a C‐18 reverse‐phase column. Individual fractions eluted from the column were analyzed by ELISA using generic antibodies against group A trichothecenes. This approach can not only identify each individual group A trichothecene but can also determine their concentration quantitatively. Concentrations as low as 2 ng of T‐2 toxin and related trichothecenes as well as their metabolites can be monitored by this method. The combination of HPLC and ELISA technology proved to be an efficient, sensitive and specific method for the analysis of trichothecenes. Details of this approach as tested on the analysis of different group A trichothecenes in some fungal culture extracts and T‐2 toxin metabolites in a urine sample are presented. The advantages and disadvantages of this method are discussed.