Example 1
A method for the extraction of nuts and removal of oil was developed. Several methods were evaluated for removing the oils from the dust substances including thin-layer-chromatography (TLC), different extraction methods, and different types of columns. Two types of columns were analyzed. First, immunoaffinity columns specific for aflatoxin were utilized. The columns did work to ‘concentrate’ aflatoxin. A simple filter column, e.g., alumina, was evaluated and did remove the oils from pistachio dust. Further analysis using pistachio dust spiked with a known amount of standard aflatoxin resulted in less than 10% loss of aflatoxin and removal of the oils.
Calibration curves were completed for several different injection methods for using IMS including electrospray, direct injection using corona discharge, GC-heated port, and paper-spray. The IMS response to aflatoxin shows multiple peaks and/or shifting of peaks depending upon the quantity of aflatoxin. This is typical when using IMS technology. A ‘pass-fail’ system is useful in accordance with the present invention.
