Using this as the outline. There are specific instructions attached for the references.
Writing Assignment (1st Draft Outline)
“Food Safety
and Mycotoxins: A Review of Modern Analytical Methods for Detection and
Quantification”
Abstract:
·
The
purpose of this review is to describe a variety of analytical methods commonly
employed in the detection and quantification of mycotoxins in food products.
·
It will
cover both traditional and emerging techniques, highlighting their strengths,
limitations, and applicability in ensuring food safety.
Key words: Mycotoxins, food safety, analytical
methods, detection, quantification, chromatography, immunoassays, biosensors,
LC-MS/MS
Introduction:
·
Introduce mycotoxin as toxic metabolites
produced by fungi, commonly found in food products like, cereals, nuts, and
dried fruit.
·
Discuss the potential health effects of
mycotoxins on humans, including liver, cancer, and immune suppression.
·
Prevalence in food. Identify which food are most
at risk for contamination and why mycotoxin analysis is critical for food
safety
Analytical Methods
· Description
of Analytical Methods
· Traditional
Methods
o
Thin- Layer Chromatography (TLC): Review its
historical relevance and accuracy for identifying mycotoxins
o
High- performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC):
Discuss how HPLC has become
o
Gas Chromatography: Explain its use when
combined with mass spectrometry for detecting volatile mycotoxins
· Immunoassay
o
Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay
o
Lateral Flow Immuno
· Emerging
and Advanced Technologies
o
Liquid Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry
(LC-MS/MS): Explore the combined use of liquid Chromatography with mass
spectrometry for high- sensitivity detection and quantification
o
Capillary Electrophoresis (CE)
o
Biosensors: Discuss the development of biosensor
technology for quick, accurate detection of specific mycotoxins.
o
Next- Generation Sequencing (NGS){ Mention newer
methods that use molecular techniques to detect fungal DNA, which can indicate
mycotoxin presence.
Regulatory Standards and Guidelines
·
Sample Preparation: Review the complexities
involved in preparing food samples for accurate mycotoxin detection, such as
extraction and purification methods.
·
Food Matrix Effects: Discuss how the type of
food (solid vs. liquid, fat content) can affect the accuracy of mycotoxin
detection.
·
Emerging Mycotoxins: Highlight issues related to
emerging mycotoxins that are not commonly screened for in standard tests but
are increasingly being recognized as health risks.
Conclusion
·
Summarize the importance of continuous
improvement in mycotoxin analysis techniques due to evolving food safety
standards and emerging threats.
·
Highlight areas where further research or
technological advancements are needed to improve detection sensitivity,
accuracy, and efficiency.
References