In response to popular demand, a test option for Deoxynivalenol (DON) in barley has been made available for the MycoFoss automated mycotoxin analyser.
DON in barley is of particular concern for animal feed production where its presence has a negative impact on feed performance and animal health. Concerns also extend to human health where barley is the source raw material, such as in malting for brewing.
The test for DON in barley complements existing capability to test DON and a number of other mycotoxins in wheat and maize.
Singleplex and multiplex test options for mycotoxin testing
The MycoFoss provides automated singleplex and multiplex testing options. Singleplex options are:
- DON in barley
- AFLA (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) and DON in wheat and maize
In addition, multiplex testing of maize and wheat can be performed. This allows up to six mycotoxins to be tested simultaneously.
These are:
- Deoxynivalenol - DON
- Zearalenone - ZEA
- Aflatoxins - AFLA (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2)
- Ochratoxin A - OTA
- Trichothecene 2 - T-2
- Fumonisins - FUM (FB1, FB2 and FB3)
Push button testing offers important alternative to manual intensive methods
While the ability to perform rapid tests for the presence of mycotoxins is essential for control of food and feed raw materials, the methods currently available are cumbersome. They involve complex manual steps such as pipetting, timing, weighing, mixing and shaking, all of which can lead to the risk of human error.
In contrast, the revolutionary MycoFoss™ is operated at the push of a button. Users simply place a ground sample in the instrument and select the appropriate test on a touch screen display.
Innovative technology reduces risk on all levels
MycoFoss™ combines a number of existing and newer technologies to offer a groundbreaking approach to mycotoxin risk management that is safe and accurate on all levels.
The patented measurement uses the well-known immune assay method in combination with sophisticated artificial-intelligence software. Individual mycotoxin cells are singled-out and given a fluorescent marker. They are then passed through a capillary tube for counting using established flow cytometry techniques of which FOSS is highly experienced from earlier work with, for example, somatic cell counting for quality control of milk.
Completing the solution are a raft of innovative service concepts that further simplify mycotoxin risk management. Online support helps to maintain uptime and performance of instruments while connectivity ensures efficient data management and monitoring for adherence to standard operating procedures. Populations of instruments can be managed from the desktop to ensure consistent testing across any location.