Characterization of Particle-Size-Based Homogeneity and Mycotoxin Distribution Using Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analysis

Sample homogeneity dictates whether analyzing a test portion of an entire sample can provide representative information about incurred mycotoxins. In this study, we evaluated particle-size-distribution-based laboratory mycotoxin samples using laser diffraction particle size analysis and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Guide 35: 2017. Incurred whole corn, compound feed, peanut butter, wheat flour (500 g each) were comminuted wet, cryogenic, or dry milling. We used dividing (riffling) device to obtain subsamples (25 developed procedure by optimizing key parameters such as the refractive index, absorption, stirring rate. The distribution within was characterized optimized procedure. An assessment also performed individual mycotoxins in each matrix following described ISO 35. concentrations determined liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Within- between-subsample variances aflatoxin B1 butter; deoxynivalenol flour; fumonisins feed corroborated that when measurements less than 850 µm, consistent across independent portions, which confirmed variance (F-test). This study highlights benefits suggests its use evaluate new commodities.