A rapid method for extraction of zearalenone and zeraralenols in fermented corn.

A rapid extraction method is described for isolation of zearalenone and α- and β-trans-zearalenols from laboratory fermented corn. Corn fermented withFusarium crookwellense at 25°C for 2 weeks was agitated for 5 minutes in acetone. The acetone extract was evaporated to dryness and the remaining residue was chromatographed on a silica gel column with hexane:ethyl acetate (8:2).