GEN-MKT-18-7897-A
Feb 9, 2017 | Blogs, Food / Beverage | 0 comments
When we look at emerging food trends for this coming year, you may be surprised to find that the US cornmeal market is making headlines as it is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of two percent by 20201. This is the type of news that excites us, scientists, as it reminds us why we test for things like mycotoxins in cornmeal and the impact such analysis has on farmers and food manufacturers.Available for download in the Food Testing Guide, researchers can observe how the API 4000 MS/MS, roQ™ QuEChERS, and Kinetex® XB-C18 Core-Shell Technology columns deliver a rapid and simple approach for Mycotoxin screening from corn products. After processing, cornmeal must be transported and stored on store shelves. However, exposure to warm, damp conditions can cause the growth of mycotoxins, or toxic fungus and can be poisonous upon ingestion. Governments like the EU have agencies that are charged with enforcing exposure limits and as such cornmeal, a fodder crop largely used for animal feed, are prone to random tests like the ones presented here for rapid detection.As for its history, cornmeal is ground from dried corn (a high yield crop) and is de-germinated meaning the oily germ and bran are removed. It is used to thicken dishes, eaten as polenta, used as a coating for fried onion rings, and has quite a history dating back to 5500 B.C. when the Indians made it a staple. Mixed with water, it was eaten as gruel, used in poultices for healing, and even consumed for stomach problems2.When found in feed, however, carry-over to animal byproducts can put humans at risk. A National Study for Biotechnology Report indicates mycotoxins pose a significant risk to animal health as they can receive a lower quality of feed sources and ongoing surveillance is needed3. In another report, it is estimated approximately 25% of the world’s fodder crops are polluted with mycotoxins4 where one-third is used for livestock feed, 40% ethanol, and the remainder food and beverage5.
Further analysis of mycotoxins can be found in, “Mycotoxins Screening by LC-MS/MS and by UHPLC-MS/MS” >
References:
In monoclonal antibody (mAb) development, assessment of purity and integrity of the protein in question is critical. CE‑SDS is the gold standard assay and is routinely run from analytical development through QC and lot release. It’s trusted because it consistently delivers quantitative, size‑based insight into purity and fragmentation, and it fits naturally into regulated environments.
In drug discovery and development, Metabolite Identification (Met ID) plays a critical role in understanding biotransformation pathways, ensuring safety, and meeting regulatory requirements. Advanced mass spectrometry techniques have revolutionized this process, particularly through electron-based fragmentation methods such as Electron Activated Dissociation (EAD) and Electron Transfer Dissociation (ETD). While both techniques leverage electron interactions to generate informative fragment ions, they differ significantly in mechanism, performance, and suitability for Met ID workflows.
In analytical laboratories, performance is not optional. Whether supporting regulated pharmaceutical workflows, high-throughput CRO operations, clinical reporting, or food and environmental testing, your mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis systems are critical to productivity, compliance, and scientific confidence.
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