Miniaturised 2LabsToGo

On-site analysis of ergot alkaloids in wholemeal grains

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The compact, miniaturised 2LabsToGo system (8 kg, 31 cm x 26 cm x 34 cm) combines all the tasks of planar chromatography in an automated, portable all-in-one system. For the first time, it enables cost-effective quality control of wholemeal grain for ergot alkaloids directly in milling operations. Miniaturisation sustainably reduces the challenges of analytical instrumentation while retaining the same informative value.

Naturally occurring mycotoxins from Claviceps fungi, such as ergot alkaloids, pose a health risk. Precise methods of analysis are therefore required to ensure food safety. The miniaturised 2LabsToGo system was used for the first time for the analysis of ergotamine and ergot alkaloids, for example in whole rye wholemeal samples (Fig. 1) [1]. It was not necessary to crush the grains. The simple sample preparation for several samples at the same time took only 10 min. for extraction and 20 min. for centrifugation. The simultaneous chromatographic separation of 12 samples took 10 min. (50 s/sample) and required only 2 mL of mobile phase (0.2 mL/sample).

2LabsToGo analysis of ergot alkaloids in five wholemeal rye samples using quantitative HPTLC-FLD: the ergocristine maximum value of 500 µg/kg (EC, blue fluorescent zone) was not exceeded in samples R1-R5 (solvent dummy value B as negative reference). Copyright: ©JLU Giessen

©JLU Giessen

Validation data

The validation data was impressive. The mean recovery rate of ergot alkaloids in fortified wholemeal rye was almost 100 %. The detection limit for ergocristine was determined to be 0.4 ng/zone and the limit of quantification 1.2 ng/zone. The repeatability or relative standard deviation (%RSD) was 4.1 % and the coefficient of determination of the analytical response (R²) was 0.9918. In five samples analysed, the levels of ergot alkaloids were found to be below the current maximum level of 500 µg/kg for ground rye products. The results using 2LabsToGo analysis were compared with the results of conventional HPTLC instruments and successfully confirmed. [1]

Advantages at a glance

The compact, miniaturised 2LabsToGo system (8 kg, 31 cm x 26 cm x 34 cm) combines all the tasks of planar chromatography in an automated, portable all-in-one system (Fig. 2), enabling cost-effective quality control directly in milling operations for the first time. Miniaturisation proves to be advantageous when comparing the costs, weight and space requirements of the instruments. Compared to conventional HPTLC devices, the device costs have been reduced by a factor of 40, the weight by a factor of 9 and the space requirement by a factor of 8. This has already been calculated in detail for the screening of saccharides in foods and lactose-free foods [2] and applies here in the same way. It can also be combined with toxicological detection (using a planar bioassay that indicates pollutants) [3] thereby unifying technologies from four different disciplines (Fig. 2).

Miniaturisation, if it does not go too far (it should still be operable by the operator's hands), reduces instrumental disadvantages and challenges. For example, a smaller plate surface facilitates uniform image illumination and a slimline device design reduces sources of error. Individual system components fulfil several functions in order to minimise the space required by the system. The 2LabsToGo system has a low ecological footprint in terms of low material consumption (resource conservation and dematerialisation). The power consumption is comparatively very low and it can also be operated locally with solar cells. This makes it a very environmentally friendly laboratory of the future that enables sustainable analyses in production facilities.

At an international workshop at Justus Liebig University (JLU) in Giessen, Germany in September 2024, scientists will assemble their own open-source, do-it-yourself 2LabsToGo system (at a production cost of approx. 4,000 euros) for the first time, which will be self-empowering and also facilitate subsequent device maintenance/repair. The non-patented, open-source development of the system allows customised adaptations and individual changes at any time.

©JLU Gießen

Contact

Prof Gertrud E. Morlock
Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
Professor for Food Sciences
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32
35392 Giessen
Germany
www.uni-giessen.de/food

Expression of thanks

Thanks to the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (Project E/U2AD/KA018/IF565) and Merck for their support with HPTLC plates.

Literature
[1] Jakob K, Schwack W, Morlock GE. Food Chem. 453 (2024) 139593
[2] Morlock GE, Koch J, Schwack W et al. J. Chromatogr. A 1688 (2023) 463720
[3] Morlock GE, Anal. Chim. Acta 1180 (2021) 338644