Rapid Mycotoxin Detection via Partial Solvent Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting mycotoxins in cereal grains are time-consuming and hazardous due to the need for lengthy solvent extraction processes, which hinder rapid and accurate analysis, especially since mycotoxins are inhomogeneously distributed, making it costly to ensure representative sampling.
Innovation Solution
A method involving incomplete solvent extraction for a shorter period than equilibrium time, using a solvent like 30% ethanol in water, followed by calibration to derive analyte levels in the sample matrix, allowing for rapid and reliable detection without reaching extraction equilibrium, and utilizing techniques like French press separation for enhanced speed and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If solvent extraction is performed for a long period to reach equilibrium, then extraction efficiency and accuracy are improved, but analysis time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction parameters by using a solvent mixture of 20% ethanol and 80% water at controlled temperature (4°C) for a short duration (1 hour). This parameter optimization achieves adequate extraction efficiency without requiring equilibrium time, thus resolving the contradiction between extraction accuracy and analysis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial extraction action by performing extraction for a fixed short period (1 hour) that does not reach equilibrium but is sufficient for adequate analyte recovery. This partial action approach maintains acceptable accuracy while dramatically reducing analysis time compared to traditional equilibrium-based methods.
2Productivity
If high concentration ethanol (80% ethanol) is used for rapid extraction, then extraction speed is improved, but fire risk and health hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent concentration parameter from high ethanol content (80%) to a lower, safer concentration (20% ethanol with 80% water). This parameter modification maintains adequate extraction speed while eliminating the fire risk and health hazards associated with high concentration organic solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of using organic solvents by selecting a water-based solvent system (20% ethanol/80% water) that eliminates fire risk while still achieving effective extraction. The previously harmful high ethanol concentration is replaced with a safer alternative that maintains productivity.
3Reliability
If high concentration organic solvents are used for extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but health and environmental hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the solvent composition parameter by using 20% ethanol and 80% water instead of high concentration organic solvents. This change maintains reliable extraction efficiency for mycotoxins while eliminating the health and environmental hazards associated with concentrated organic solvents like methanol or acetonitrile.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and accurate detection of mycotoxins with high recovery rates, reducing analysis time and solvent hazards, achieving average recoveries of 70% for Deoxynivalenol and 44% for Ochratoxin A within minutes, with linear correlations between measured and reference concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
combining each sample matrix with a solvent for a same extraction period which is less than a time required for reaching equilibrium; and separating the analyte containing solvent from the sample matrix
Implementation Method 2
This may be done by forcing the solvent/matrix mixture through a filter, such as may simply and reliably be achieved using a French press, or by using a centrifuge typically of either the sediment or of the filter type.
Data Source
AI summary
Determination of Analytes in a Sample Matrix by Solvent Extraction A method for the assay of one or more analytes in a sample matrix comprising the steps of: performing analyte extraction on the sample matrix, said analyte extraction comprising combining the sample matrix with a solvent for an extraction period which is less than that required for reaching equilibrium; and separating the analyte containing solvent from the sample matrix; next measuring a level of analyte present in the separated solvent; and then applying in a computer a calibration by which is established a mathematical relationship between levels of analyte extracted from each of a plurality of reference samples by means of the process employed above in the extraction for the sample matrix and a reference value of the levels of analyte for each reference sample to thereby derive a measure of the level of analyte in the sample matrix. Specifically a method to determine the amount of mycotoxins in cereal grain, especially OTA (ochratoxin A) and DON (deoxynivalenol) by mixing with a solvent comprising water alcohol mixture, with 20-40% ethanol by volume.