Quantitation of ochratoxin A: use of reverse phase thin-layer chromatography for sample cleanup followed by liquid chromatography or direct fluorescence measurement.

An improved procedure for sample preparation and quantitation of ochratoxin A in moldy grain was developed. Grain samples were acidified and extracted, and extracts were subjected to reverse phase thin-layer chromatography (RPTLC). The separated spots, which were identified under UV light, were scraped and collected into recovery devices. Ochratoxin A was eluted from the adsorbent and analyzed by either liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection or direct spectrofluorometric measurement. The method yielded values that were proportional to the concentrations of toxin in the sample, had relatively high levels of recovery (94%), and required considerably less volume of solvents and preparation time than a standard packed column method.