A validated HPLC – FLD method for the determination of mycotoxin levels in sun dried fermented cocoa beans: effect of cola nut extract and powder

Abstract

This study investigated mycotoxin concentrations in fermented sun-dried cocoa beans as affected by cola nut powder and cola nut extract using a 2 × 4 full factorial experimental design with treatment type (cola nut powder; cola nut extract) and treatment levels (0 g/5 kg, 50 g/5 kg, 100 g/5 kg and 150 g/5 kg) as principal factors. Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 and ochratoxin A (OTA) levels were studied using a validated HPLC – FLD analytical method. There was significant reduction in OTA (p < 0.05) from 8.32 μg/kg to 2.85 μg/kg and 3.02 μg/kg, respectively for the 150 g/5 kg cola nut extract and powder concentrations. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for the instrument was estimated as 0.60 μg/kg, 0.50 μg/kg, 0.78 μg/kg, 1.09 μg/kg and 2.30 μg/kg for aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 and ochratoxin A, respectively. Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) levels for all treatments were below the limit of detection (LOD). The LOD was estimated as 0.20 μg/kg, 0.17 μg/kg, 0.26 μg/kg, 0.36 μg/ kg and 0.77 μg/kg for aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 and ochratoxin A, respectively. Taken together, cola nut powder and extract led to reduction of mycotoxins in fermented sun-dried cocoa beans