Simplified Method for Microscale Production and Quantification of Aflatoxin in Broth .

A simplified method for aflatoxin production studies is described. The mold was cultured in 4-dram (15 ml) vials containing 5 ml of yeast extract sucrose broth, and aflatoxin levels were determined by direct spotting of the broth on thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates and quantitating by spectrodensitometry. Equivalent levels of aflatoxins were produced in vials as compared to flasks. When compared to conventional TLC after solvent extraction, direct spotting was rapid, economical and statistically equivalent. Heating broth cultures (121°C, 15 s) before TLC improved the release of aflatoxin from mycelial mats. Aflatoxins were unstable in YES broth during 3 months of frozen storage.