A competitive flow cytometry based multiplexed assay with fluorescent microspheres has been developed. The new multiplexed method can analyze simultaneously any one or all six major mycotoxins. They include: Ochratoxin A (OTA), Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), Fumonisin B1 (FB1), T-2 toxin (T-2), Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Zearalenone (ZEA), which are all potential human health hazards. The CFIA described here includes a simplified single extraction step for mycotoxins from specimens and a comprehensive post acquisition software module. The new assay system was developed with a FACSArray? BD Bioanalyzer flow cytometer (BD Biosciences, Belgium).
The CFIA performs favourably when compared to commercial ELISA. Sensitivity range with CFIA increased between 13 % and 100 % with an average improvement of 50 % for the six mycotoxins.
The multiplexed assay presented here has the unique capacity to quantify up to six mycotoxins simultaneously from a single specimen extraction. CFIA's poly-mycotoxin detection sensitivity exceeds standard ELISA. CFIA may be part of a comprehensive assay system that will provide reliable and effective safeguard for agricultural commodities to be free of mycotoxins.