Vomitoxin

• DON
• Vomitoxin
• 12,13- epoxy-3 ,4,15 -trihydroxy- trichothec - 9 - en -8-one

Fixed

151-153 ° C

Risk

46 mg · kg -1 ( LD50, mouse, oral)

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as vomitoxin, is a mycotoxin (mold toxin ) with trichothecene backbone and a sesquiterpene.

Occurrence

Deoxynivalenol occurs as a metabolic product of various fungi of the genus Fusarium (F. culmorum, F. graminearum ) especially on infested grain (wheat, barley, oats).

Properties

Deoxynivalenol is chemically relatively stable. In an aqueous medium temperatures are greater than 120 ° C is necessary in order to achieve a partial degradation. High pH values ​​favor the degradation. Known degradation products are Nordon A, B and Nordon Nordon C, 9- hydroxymethyl DON lactone, Nordon D, E and Nordon Nordon F. A reduction in the baking of bread was observed.

Analysis

The reliable identification and quantification of DON in the different matrices can be ensured by chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods. Both gas chromatography (GC ) and high pressure liquid chromatography ( HPLC) have proven to be reliable separation techniques. For gas chromatographic analysis usually suitable derivatives are used (eg trimethylsilyl derivatives ). In the HPLC separation and MS measurements are possible even without derivatization. The subsequent mass spectrometry is possible with ion trap and with quadrupole. The application of both MS ionization techniques, the safety of analytic statements in so-called 'low - level' range greatly increase.

Biological Significance

Deoxynivalenol is a mycotoxin. Acute toxic doses cause nausea and vomiting. It is a gastrointestinal irritant. Deoxynivalenol is an inhibitor of protein synthesis. In animals with deoxynivalenol contaminated feed causes growth retardation, impairment of the immune system resulting in an increased susceptibility to infection. A certain teratogenicity can be detected.

Avoidance strategies

Numerous measures can be taken to reduce the concentration of DON in crop during the production of cereal. These include the avoidance of maize as previous crop, turning tillage, cultivation of crops with less susceptibility to Fusarium species and the use of fungicides.

Reduction in the further processing

Add the flour mill, the DON content of a batch of grain - if not completely rejected - by purification steps as will be further reduced, for example, black or white cleaning. Also table separator ( Paddy ripper ) can be used as Fusarienkörner are lighter than healthy wheat grains. In the bran DON levels are higher than in the endosperm. In modern processing of grain in the first flour DON content was compared with weißgereinigtem cereals decreased by 36%. While other authors report a reduction of up to 50%.

Maximum quantity regulation

Statutory maximum levels for deoxynivalenol are in accordance with EU Regulation 1881/2006 for cereals at 750 mcg / kg for bread, biscuits and pastry products at 500 mcg / kg and for cereals for the production of baby food at 200 mcg / kg.