Quantitative Detection of Deoxynivalenol in Multiple Grain Commodities Using Envirologix DON-Flex, a Rapid Lateral Flow Assay

Introduction: Deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium molds, is a common contaminant of grain commodities. Varied adverse health effects are caused by ingestion of DON-contaminated food and feed products. Levels of the mycotoxin are regulated and monitored in products entering the food chain, at both the raw and processed materials points, necessitating rapid, accurate, and precise test methods for detection at the regulated levels.

Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of the DON-Flex test protocol, across several matrices commonly tested for DON contamination.

Methods: Various corn and wheat derived matrices, containing multiple levels of DON contamination, were extracted and tested across three lots of the DON Lateral Flow Assay. Quantitated results were compared to other reference detection methods and to the USDA defined criteria for accuracy.

Results: Linearity was achieved across the detection range, spanning multiple dilution protocols, from 0.1-30 ppm, with R² values of > 0.99% for all matrices tested. The test exhibited precision across the dynamic range, with %CVs between 4-9%. Results for all contamination levels, of each matrix tested, fell within the USDA DON standard criteria for accuracy.

Significance: Study results illustrate that the rapid lateral flow test enables accurate and reproducible deoxynivalenol detection, in multiple commodities, within appropriate regulated ranges of contamination.