Sensitive silica gel-packed flowcell for fluorometric detection of aflatoxins by high pressure liquid chromatography.

Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 were quantitatively detected by high pressure liquid chromatography on a 5 micronm Lichrosorb column, using a Lichrosorb-packed flowcell in the fluorometric detector. The relationship between peak height and the amount injected was linear only up to about 2 ng but showed a linear loglog relationship. Methods for constructing and packing the flowcell are given. A guard column and venting valve were used to minimize deterioration of the analytical column and the adsorbent-packed flowcell. The method was applied to a peanut butter extract, although with the cleanup procedure used, the life expectancy of the flowcell is limited.