Determination of Zearalenone
Zearalenone is a type of mycotoxin with different toxic effects on granulosa cells that develop in the ovaries of domestic animals and laboratory animals in general. Zearalenone, one of the most common estrogenic mycotoxins, is produced mainly by fusarium fungi, a mold fungus, and affects the reproductive capacity of animals. Exposure of farm animals to this mycotoxin is a global human health problem due to its toxicity and wide distribution in animal feeds.Experiments show that zearalenone has estrogenic activity in mice, pigs and cattle. As with other mycotoxins, zearalenone analysis studies are carried out in grain, cereal products and feeds in advanced laboratories. In general, thin layer chromatography methods and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are widely used. However, the HPLC method alone is not sufficient. Today, HPLC-MS / MS analysis method is used to measure and confirm the presence of zearalenone.
Zearalenone begins to be produced by fusarium fungi when grain, feed and feed raw materials are stored in environments with high humidity at 24-27 degrees. This microorganism develops in all grains and grasses, especially corn, barley and oats, and creates mycotoxins. Zearalenone, which is an extremely durable mycotoxin, is not affected much by heating and similar processes. Zearalenone is found in agricultural products and silages grown and harvested in cold and high humidity seasons.
