Table 3.

Advantages and disadvantages of analytical methods for type B trichothecenes.

Method	Advantages	Limitations	Reference
Thin layer chromatography	Simple and rapid Low-cost separation technique Reliable quantification method when combined with densitometry	Outdated technique Poor precision and sensitivity Destructive sample preparation Quantitative only when combined with a densitometer Largely substituted by high-performance liquid chromatography for quantitative determination of trichothecenes Inherent need for sample preparation	[2,161,166]
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)	Good sensitivity, selectivity, and repeatability Automated Short analysis time Official reference method for the validation and verification of immunochemical tests	Destructive sample preparation Expensive technique Requires dedicated operator Derivatization may be required	[175,243]
Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry	High selectivity and repeatability Very low detection limits (LC-MS/MS) Fast acquisition features Compatibility with a broad range of sample preparation procedures Wide linear dynamic range Simultaneous determination of numerous mycotoxins Ability to generate structural information of analyte (HRMS) No derivatization required Minimum requirement for sample preparation (LC-MS/MS)	Destructive sample preparation Very expensive technique Requires dedicated operator and specialist expertise for data interpretation Sensitivity relies on the ionization method	[8,18,167]
Gas chromatography	Good separation ability and repeatability Very low detection limits (GC-MS/MS) Automated Simultaneous analyses of multiple mycotoxins	Expensive technique Requires dedicated operator Matrix interferences Requires derivatization for nonvolatile mycotoxins Carry-over effects from previous samples Narrow scope of analysis	[236,237,241]
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)	Inexpensive and specific assay Reduced analysis time Visual assessment Easy manipulation Semi-quantitative (screening) or quantitative analysis is possible No dedicated operator required Limited consumption of organic solvents	Easily affected by matrix interferences Affected by potential cross-reactivity with structurally related toxins One-time use only Inefficiency in detection at low concentrations Semiquantitative Confirmatory LC analysis is often required Possible false positives/negatives Narrow detection range	[175,246,274]
Lateral flow immunochromatographic assay	Rapid and straightforward (single-step) test No special equipment required Inexpensive onsite screening test No additional chemicals or laborious preparation processes required Portable Reliable quantification method when combined with other modern technology	Semiquantitative (visual assessment) Affected by potential cross-reactivity with structurally related toxins Requiring validation for additional matrices	[255,272,275]
Fluorescence polarization immunoassay	Mobility due to portable instrumentation Very sensitive, rapid and user-friendly Homogeneous method performed in the solution phase Faster detection with no additional clean-up and washing steps Convenient for monitoring large-scale samples	Possible cross-reactivity with structurally related toxins Limited validation with HPLC or ELISA Matrix interferences Limited to a single mycotoxin detection at a time	[257,258,272]
Biosensors	High transmission and low-cost operation High sensitivity and selectivity User-friendly operation Reduced analysis time Mobility due to portable instrumentation Ability to be recycled Self-contained, simple design	Extensive sample preparation is required to improve sensitivity Limited to a single mycotoxin detection at a time Possible cross-reactivity with structurally related toxins Variable repeatability and reproducibility (enhanced when using novel materials)	[260,261,272]
Near-infrared spectroscopy	Reduced analysis time Easy operation Non-destructive testing with minimal or no sample manipulation Quick classification of grains according to mycotoxin contamination	Reliable only when combined with appropriate mathematical tools such as principal component analysis Complicated interpretation of spectral data Knowledge of statistical methods is required Validation of the calibration model is required Expensive equipment Poor sensitivity (high limit of detection) Point-based scanning method which enables only a mean spectrum (average measurement)	[167,264,268]
Hyperspectral imaging	Reduced analysis time Easy operation Non-destructive testing with minimal or no sample manipulation Information about the spatial distribution of chemical constituents across the sample is provided (sample heterogeneity can be overcome) High spectral and spatial resolution Quick classification of grains according to mycotoxin contamination	Reliable only when combined with appropriate mathematical tools such as principal component analysis Complicated interpretation of spectral data Knowledge of statistical models is required Validation of the calibration model is required Expensive equipment Poor sensitivity (high limit of detection)	[265,266,267]
Electronic nose (EN)	Rapid, inexpensive, and user-friendly screening method to distinguish the microbiological quality of food samples.	Enhancing selectivity and sensitivity is required Reducing interferences (e.g., to humidity) is required Nonvolatile mycotoxins raise difficulties for EN-based detection. Compensation for drift effects is required Narrow scope of analysis and poor validation	[163,269,270]
Capillary electrophoresis	Rapid analysis Convenient for separating closely related toxins Limited consumption of organic solvents Good selectivity of analytes from interferences Good sensitivity	Destructive sample preparation Limited to lab use due to cumbersome instrumentation Extensive sample preparation is required to improve sensitivity	[163,272]

Abbreviation: LC-MS/MS: liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry; HRMS: high-resolution mass spectrometry, GC-MS/MS: gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.