Acoustic sensing of deoxynivalenol in co-occurrence with zearalenone and T-2

Abstract

A fast acoustic screening method in combination with an ELISA method was applied for the detection of deoxynivalenol (DON) in co-occurrence with some trichothecenes such as zearalenone (ZEA) and T-2/HT-2 toxins in winter wheat grains (Triticum aestivum L.) of the most popular Lithuanian cultivar Sirvinta. Strong correlations between the amplitude of the acoustic signal that penetrated the wheat samples and DON as well as total amount of mentioned trichothecenes quantified by ELISA method were found (R2=0.787 and R2=0.794, respectively). It turned out that weak correlations between the acoustic signal and the concentrations of ZEA and T-2/HT-2 were found. These correlations suggest that DON is the marker of the Fusarium infected wheat grain. This statement is also strengthened by the fact that DON is the most significant trichothecene contaminant of cereal grains in the world and levels are generally higher in the wetter climates. The dependency determined between the acoustic signal and structural physical characteristics (1000-kernel-weight) of the grain matrix could therefore be the basis for the developed rapid acoustic method for cereal quality and safety control. Additional examination of microstructure of wholesome and Fusarium-affected kernels under the scanning electron microscope revealed that obvious damage to the starch granules and lack of protein matrix was caused by the increase in several enzyme activities in the infected grains. Moderate positive relationships between α-amylase, protease and xylanase activities, and the degree of Fusarium infection were found (for α-amylase R2=0.623, for protease R2=0.823, and for xylanase R2=0.682). [...].