Validation of analytical method for quantification of deoxynivalenol in wheat and wheat products by HPLC-UV

Abstract

Deoxynivalenol (DON), the main mycotoxin found in wheat and its derivatives, has been associated with outbreaks of gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal disorders, and diarrhea in humans and animals. For the control of mycotoxins in food, methods with accuracy and precision are needed. Thus, the present work aimed to validate an analytical methodology for the analysis of DON in wheat and products sold in São Paulo city. The method was validated according to the parameters linearity, recovery, precision, limits of detection (LOD), and quantification (LOQ). DON extraction was performed by homogenization with deionized water, followed by centrifugation, filtration, and purification in an immunoaffinity column. The separation and quantification were performed by liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). The analytical curve, obtained using the square method, was linear with a correlation coefficient of 0.9995. The average recovery was 102% and the variation coefficient was 2.4% for the concentration of 877 µg/kg. The LOD and LOQ were 60 and 200 µg/kg, respectively. The chromatograms obtained showed no interference in the DON retention time region (9.7 min), being the proposed method considered adequate for the quantification of deoxynivalenol in wheat and wheat products.