DON calibrant: Towards the production of certified B-trichothecene calibrants.

Within an EC-funded project calibrants with certified concentrations of Deoxynivalenol (DON), 3-Acetyl-Deoxynivalenol (3-Ac-DON), 15-Acetyl-Deoxynivalenol (15-Ac-DON) and Nivalenol (NIV) in acetonitrile have been produced. So far the project has led to improved isolation and purification of the solid toxins fromFusarium cultures. In addition, conditions for the production, ampouling and transport of the toxin solutions have been optimised. Further investigations should lead to knowledge about storage conditions and internationally accepted molar absorption coefficients for DON, 3-Ac-DON, 15-Ac-DON and NIV in acetonitrile. The intercomparison study which is currently carried out will also help to support knowledge and experience exchange between laboratories in the field ofFusarium mycotoxin analysis.