Mycotoxin adsorption refers to the passage of these fungal toxins, present in contaminated feed, through the intestinal wall of animals, with detrimental effects on their health and performance. To limit this phenomenon, livestock farming relies on a two-pronged strategy: firstly, the use of additives capable of binding mycotoxins in the digestive tract before adsorption, and secondly, the implementation of rigorous analyses to detect and quantify these contaminants. Measuring mycotoxins in the field (pre-harvest) and during storage (post-harvest) is essential to assess risks at each stage of the supply chain. Understanding the adsorption mechanisms, identifying the toxins involved, and adapting preventive measures makes it possible to effectively ensure animal feed safety and meet regulatory requirements.
YesWeLab supports professionals in the animal sector by offering a wide range of targeted analyses, carried out by animal health analysis laboratories , to ensure the safety of animal feed and anticipate any risks related to mycotoxin adsorption.
Table of Contents
Mycotoxins, an invisible but omnipresent threat
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds naturally produced by microscopic fungi, primarily of the genera Aspergillus , Fusarium and Penicillium . These secondary metabolites are synthesized under specific environmental conditions, often related to humidity, heat, and poor crop storage. Invisible to the naked eye, they can nevertheless persist in food and raw materials, even after processing, drying, or cooking.
Contamination can occur at any stage of the production chain: on living plants in the field (pre-harvest), during storage (post-harvest), or even during industrial processing. This ubiquitous nature makes it a difficult problem to control, especially since the effects of mycotoxins are not limited to immediate toxicity. They can accumulate in animal tissues and end up in everyday consumer products (milk, eggs, meat), thus indirectly exposing human consumers.
To detect their presence, laboratory analyses such as ELISA or HPLC-MS chromatography allow for the precise quantification of mycotoxins in raw materials and finished foods. For more information, please see our article dedicated to laboratory mycotoxin analysis .
A multifaceted problem
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that up to 25% of the world's food is contaminated by mycotoxins each year. Their presence leads to significant economic losses in the agri-food and livestock sectors, particularly in ruminants, pigs, and poultry, where the health effects result in decreased zootechnical performance, digestive and immune disorders, and even mortality.
Faced with this threat, European regulations impose maximum levels for certain mycotoxins in food and animal feed (e.g., EC Regulation No. 1881/2006 for food for human consumption). However, the diversity of mycotoxins, their synergistic behavior, and their resistance to certain processing technologies make their management particularly complex.
Adsorption is currently an effective method for limiting their absorption in the digestive system. Before discussing this strategy in detail, it is essential to understand the chemical and biological characteristics of mycotoxins, their origins, and the dangers they pose.
Understanding mycotoxins: nature, sources and dangers
A wide variety of toxic molecules
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by certain molds, with no known biological function for the fungus itself. Their significant chemical diversity complicates their detection and neutralization. Several major families of mycotoxins are distinguished, each with specific chemical structures, sources, and biological effects.
Among the most common are aflatoxins (produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus ), which are highly toxic and often found in cereals, peanuts, and dried fruit. Zearalenone (ZEA), synthesized by Fusarium graminearum , acts as an estrogen and particularly targets the reproductive system. Deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as vomitoxin, causes digestive upset and a loss of appetite. Fumonisins ( FUM), present in contaminated corn, affect the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Some specific toxins, such as patulin found in fruit products, require laboratory analysis Fusarium fungi , are among the most toxic in livestock farming, particularly in poultry.
Environmental conditions conducive to contamination
Mycotoxin contamination of raw materials can occur at various stages of the production chain. It often begins in the field, during plant growth. Unfavorable climatic conditions such as high humidity, temperatures above 25°C, and parasitic infestations facilitate the proliferation of mycotoxin-producing fungi.
After harvest, poor storage management exacerbates the risks. Poorly compacted silage, insufficient ventilation, water seepage, or excessively high temperatures in silos create an environment conducive to mold growth. Even raw materials that appear healthy can be invisibly contaminated, necessitating rigorous analytical testing.
Certain agricultural practices also influence the presence of mycotoxins, such as monoculture, lack of crop rotation, varietal susceptibility of crops, and crop residues left on the soil. These factors must be taken into account in a comprehensive preventative approach.
Systemic and synergistic toxic effects
Mycotoxins have a variety of detrimental effects on animal health, even at very low concentrations. They can disrupt liver, kidney, immune, digestive, and reproductive functions. In ruminants, they alter the rumen microbiota and reduce feed efficiency. In pigs and poultry, their impact is even more pronounced, leading to stunted growth, decreased fertility, diarrhea, internal lesions, and increased susceptibility to infections.
The danger of mycotoxins does not stem solely from their individual effects. Numerous studies have highlighted synergistic effects , meaning that the combination of several mycotoxins in the same food leads to a toxicity greater than the sum of their individual effects. This synergy complicates risk assessment and justifies the adoption of solutions capable of targeting multiple toxins simultaneously.
In human food, some mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin B1, are classified as carcinogens (Group 1, according to the IARC), while others are suspected of playing a role in endocrine, neurotoxic, or immune disorders. This is why their presence in the food supply chain is strictly regulated, with maximum levels defined by the European Union.
Are you looking for an analysis?
Global strategies for mycotoxin management
Prevent contamination from the cultivation and storage stages
Prevention is the first line of defense against mycotoxins. It begins well before raw materials enter the processing chain. A well-managed agricultural approach helps limit plant infection by toxin-producing fungi.
Choosing crop varieties resistant to fungal diseases, crop rotation, crop residue management, and effective weed control are all practices that help reduce fungal load in the field. Harvest time also plays a crucial role: cutting too late exposes plants to climatic conditions favorable to mold growth, while harvesting too early can compromise forage quality.
Once harvested, storage quality becomes a crucial factor. Forage or grain must be stored under controlled conditions: low residual moisture, moderate temperature, and an oxygen-free environment to prevent renewed fermentation. Silage must be properly compacted, hermetically sealed with airtight and waterproof tarpaulins, and regularly checked to prevent any seepage or localized heating.
Adding silage preservatives is also an effective measure. These additives promote rapid lactic fermentation, lower the pH, and limit mold growth. They thus contribute to preserving nutritional value and reducing the risk of mycotoxicity.
Controlling raw materials through laboratory analysis
Despite all precautions taken, mycotoxin contamination remains possible. Therefore, an effective management strategy also relies on rigorous analytical testing of raw materials, compound feeds, and even finished products. The goal is to identify at-risk batches, quantify the toxins present, and adapt corrective measures accordingly.
The starting point for any reliable analysis is representative sampling. Given the high heterogeneity of mycotoxins in matrices, it is essential to take multiple subsamples from different locations within the batch and then homogenize them before analysis. Poor sample representativeness can completely skew the results.
Several analytical methods are available. Rapid tests such as ELISA or LFT (lateral flow test) allow for large-scale screening directly in the factory. Although less sensitive, they are useful for sorting batches and triggering further analysis if necessary. For precise identification and quantification, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) remains the gold standard. It allows for the simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins at very low concentrations, even in cases of multiple contamination.
The frequency of testing depends on the level of risk: the higher the probability of contamination (adverse weather conditions, high-risk geographical origin, poor storage), the greater the number of analyses required. This analytical monitoring allows feed manufacturers and farmers to make informed decisions: sorting batches, recalling, reformulating, or adding adsorbent additives in targeted quantities.
Mycotoxin adsorption: principle and mechanisms
A physico-chemical mechanism of fixation
Adsorption is a surface phenomenon in which molecules, in this case mycotoxins, bind physically or chemically to the surface of a solid material. Unlike adsorption, which involves penetration into the material's structure, adsorption is limited to a surface interaction. This distinction is fundamental because it determines the reversibility of the process and the effectiveness of the treatment.
Several types of interactions can be involved: hydrogen bonds, Van der Waals forces, electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic forces, or pi-pi stacking. The adsorption efficiency therefore depends on both the surface properties of the adsorbent and the molecular characteristics of the mycotoxin (polarity, size, solubility).
The goal is to capture mycotoxins in the digestive tract before they cross the intestinal barrier. Once bound, the toxins are eliminated with the feces, without entering the bloodstream. This protects target organs (liver, kidneys, intestines, nervous system) and prevents their accumulation in animal tissues or animal products.
Adsorbents of mineral, organic or combined origin
The market for mycotoxin adsorbents offers a wide range of products from various sources. Among the most commonly used are natural clays such as aluminosilicates, bentonites, zeolites, and smectites. These minerals have a large specific surface area and an interesting ion exchange capacity for trapping polar toxins, such as aflatoxin B1. However, their effectiveness is sometimes limited against less polar or larger toxins, such as zearalenone (ZEA) or deoxynivalenol (DON).
To broaden their spectrum of action, some clays are chemically or thermally modified , which improves their surface properties and their compatibility with a wider range of toxins. Furthermore, inactivated yeast cell walls , rich in β-D-glucans and mannoproteins, are also used to bind mycotoxins via hydrophobic interactions or mechanical trapping. To characterize these components, polysaccharide analysis allows for the evaluation of their binding capacity in various contexts.
More and more products combine these two types of components (minerals + organics) to benefit from the advantages of each. Certain functional additions, such as enzymes, probiotics, or plant extracts, also aim to enhance the overall protective effect against toxins.
Effectiveness depends on the type of mycotoxin
Not all mycotoxins react to adsorption in the same way. Their behavior depends strongly on their chemical structure. For example, aflatoxins , which are small and highly polar, are readily adsorbed by conventional clays. Conversely, fumonisins and zearalenone , which are larger and less polar, require more complex or modified adsorbents for effective binding.
pH is also a determining factor. Some interactions between mycotoxins and adsorbents are reversible and sensitive to variations in intestinal pH. Thus, an effective adsorbent must be able to bind toxins in the acidic environment of the stomach , but also maintain this binding in the more neutral pH of the small intestine , in order to prevent their release.
Finally, a good adsorbent must be selective , meaning it should not bind essential nutrients (vitamins, trace elements, amino acids) present in the feed ration. This selectivity is all the more important when adsorbents are used continuously over time, with daily doses in animal feed.
Limitations and technical requirements of adsorbents
Stability and efficiency in the digestive environment
One of the major challenges in mycotoxin adsorption is related to the stability of binding under the different conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The pH varies considerably between the stomach (acidic pH around 2) and the small intestine (more neutral pH, between 6 and 7). However, some mycotoxins can detach from their adsorbent support if conditions become unfavorable.
An effective adsorbent must therefore maintain a high affinity for toxins, regardless of pH variations. This criterion is essential to prevent the release of mycotoxins in the intestine, where they could be absorbed and exert their toxic effects. Studies have shown that some products exhibit excellent binding capacity in acidic environments but lose efficacy at neutral pH, thus compromising their actual usefulness in vivo.
Therefore, the selection of an adsorbent must include stability tests under simulated digestive tract conditions. The most rigorous manufacturers now conduct dynamic tests on digestive models, in addition to traditional in vitro tests.
Specificity of action and absence of nutritional interference
The other key requirement for adsorbents is their ability to act specifically on mycotoxins without disrupting the absorption of essential nutrients. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has warned against adsorbents that are not selective enough, as they can also bind vitamins, trace elements, or veterinary drugs such as coccidiostats.
These undesirable binding sites compromise animal health and performance by limiting access to micronutrients necessary for growth, reproduction, and immunity. They can also reduce the effectiveness of preventative or curative treatments included in the feed ration.
Mycotoxin binder additives must therefore meet strict criteria defined by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 and demonstrate through testing their absence of negative effects on the animal's physiological and nutritional functions. Authorized products must also be registered in the category "technological additives" with the designation "mycotoxin inactivators." Analysis of beta-glucans can be useful to verify their functional integrity in formulations.
Ability to act in cases of multiple contamination and at low doses
The reality on the ground shows that raw materials are rarely contaminated by a single mycotoxin. Multi-contamination is the norm, with toxic interactions amplifying biological effects. Studies have demonstrated that simultaneous exposure to zearalenone, DON, and fumonisins produces marked synergistic effects on the liver, immune system, and reproduction.
An adsorbent must therefore be able to act effectively on a broad spectrum of mycotoxins, even at very low concentrations. It must also maintain its effectiveness in the presence of a complex matrix (proteins, lipids, fibers, minerals) such as that found in a complete food. This requires careful optimization of its active surface area, electrostatic charge, and three-dimensional structure.
The most effective products today combine several complementary components: activated clays, yeast cell walls, vegetable charcoal, enzymes, or plant extracts. These combinations aim to maximize coverage while maintaining selectivity and safety.
Towards a complementary approach: adsorption and biotransformation
The advantages of multifunctional products
To address the challenges of multi-contamination, several manufacturers are developing so-called "multifunctional" products, combining several mechanisms of action: adsorption, enzymatic biotransformation, microbiota modulation and immune support.
A prime example is Vitabiocell® , a nutritional additive based on dead yeast, live yeast, and modified aluminosilicates. Its action relies both on the physical binding of mycotoxins through adsorption and on the stimulation of intestinal immunity via the yeast. This dual approach strengthens biological barriers while reducing the absorbed toxic load.
Such products are easily integrated into animal feed rations, with dosages adjusted according to the species (ruminants, pigs, poultry) and the level of risk. They are particularly suited to intensive or high-productivity farms, where preventing performance problems is a priority.
The limits of microbial biodegradation
Biotransformation involves using enzymes or microorganisms capable of chemically breaking down mycotoxins into non-toxic metabolites. This strategy is attracting increasing interest because it goes beyond simple binding, transforming the toxins into harmless compounds.
However, this method has several limitations. First, the enzymatic reaction time may be incompatible with the rate of toxin absorption. For example, zearalenone is absorbed in less than 30 minutes in pigs, which reduces the effectiveness of slow-acting enzymes. Second, the stability of microorganisms or enzymes in the digestive tract, or during feed manufacturing, is often difficult to guarantee.
Another critical point concerns the toxicity of degradation metabolites . Not all are necessarily harmless, and some may even have residual toxicity or adverse effects that are still poorly understood. A rigorous safety assessment is therefore essential before their commercial use.
Thus, while biotransformation is a promising avenue, it is currently viewed primarily as a complement to adsorption , rather than as a sole alternative. Combined solutions appear to be the most robust in the face of the complex mycotoxin risk.
Methods for analyzing mycotoxins: reliability and performance
Sampling: a crucial step
Before any analysis, the quality of the sampling determines the reliability of the results. Mycotoxins are not distributed homogeneously throughout batches of raw materials. They can concentrate in certain areas, making their detection unreliable if the sampling is poorly performed.
To obtain representative results, it is necessary to take multiple subsamples from different locations within the batch and then homogenize them before analysis. European standards (such as Directive 2006/63/EC) govern this step and specify the number of samples, minimum quantities, and the tools to be used. This step is all the more critical given that the concentrations sought are often very low, on the order of micrograms per kilogram.
Poor sampling can lead to false negatives, risking the entry of contaminated batches into the production chain. Conversely, a false positive can result in unnecessary recalls, generating economic losses. Hence the importance of relying on rigorous protocols and trained operators.
Rapid techniques: routine screening
Mycotoxin analysis methods fall into two main categories: rapid methods (or screening) and confirmatory methods. Rapid tests are used as a first-line approach to screen numerous samples quickly, either directly in the factory or in a field laboratory.
Among these techniques, the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test is the most common. It relies on a specific antigen-antibody reaction, generating a colored signal proportional to the mycotoxin concentration. This test is simple, inexpensive, and allows for relatively precise quantification. It is suitable for daily monitoring in animal feed supply chains.
Another screening tool, the lateral flow immunochromatographic test (LFT), works on the same principle as an antigen test, with a visual or digital reading. Easy to use, it provides results in a few minutes and is particularly useful in rapid incoming goods screening contexts.
These methods do, however, have limitations: they may lack sensitivity for very low concentrations and are specific to only one or two mycotoxins at a time. They do not allow for a detailed characterization of multiple contaminations, but remain excellent pre-selection tools.
Reference methods: coupled chromatography
For a complete, accurate, and validated analysis, specialized laboratories use reference methods based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS/MS) . This technique allows for the simultaneous identification and quantification of multiple mycotoxins in a complex sample, with exceptional sensitivity.
The analysis procedure comprises several steps:
- Sample preparation (grinding, sieving, freeze-drying if necessary)
- Extraction of mycotoxins using organic or aqueous solvents
- Purification of extracts (immunoaffinity column or SPE)
- Injection into the HPLC-MS/MS system
- Analysis and interpretation of results using calibration standards
This method offers high specificity , precise quantification even at trace levels, and the ability to detect cross-contamination. However, it requires expensive equipment, qualified technicians, and longer turnaround times. It is therefore reserved for confirmatory analyses, regulatory studies, or contentious cases.
All of these analytical tools form an essential basis for the reasoned management of mycotoxin risk. They enable informed decision-making, adjustment of corrective measures, and demonstration of product compliance with applicable standards.
YesWeLab: your partner for mycotoxin analysis and management
A digital platform to centralize analytical needs
YesWeLab provides manufacturers with an intuitive online platform that allows them to search, order, and track over 10,000 analytical services. This centralized interface significantly simplifies analysis management by eliminating scattered email and phone communications. Each user has a secure personal account where they can manage their orders, track the shipment of their samples, and view results as soon as they are available.
Thanks to optimized organization, execution times are reduced, and traceability of operations is complete. This transparency strengthens responsiveness in the event of suspected contamination and facilitates the rapid implementation of corrective measures.
The platform is aimed at animal feed manufacturers, cooperatives, agricultural producers, and professionals in the nutraceutical and cosmetic sectors. It allows for centralized management of analyses, regardless of the diversity of matrices to be tested.
A network of accredited and specialized laboratories
YesWeLab collaborates with over 200 partner laboratories across France and Europe. All are selected according to rigorous criteria of quality, technical expertise, and regulatory compliance. The majority of them are ISO 17025 accredited and/or recognized by COFRAC , thus guaranteeing the reliability of the results.
Depending on the need, samples can be sent to laboratories specializing in HPLC-MS/MS , immunoassay , or molecular biology . The sectors covered are numerous:
- Agri-food
- Animal nutrition
- Nutraceutical
- Cosmetics
- Packaging and materials
- Environment
This multi-sectoral approach allows YesWeLab to deal with complex issues, including requests combining several types of analyses (mycotoxins + heavy metals + pesticides, for example).
Services dedicated to the detection and control of mycotoxins
YesWeLab assists its clients in detecting mycotoxins in a wide variety of matrices: cereals, oilseed cakes, animal feed, compound feeds, food supplements, and dry or liquid ingredients. These systems contribute to risk management and consumer safety at the end of the supply chain. The services offered cover:
- Rapid analysis by ELISA or LFT
- Multi-mycotoxin confirmation by HPLC-MS/MS
- Identifying toxic synergies in cases of multi-contamination
- Verification of compliance with European regulatory thresholds (EC No. 1881/2006)
- Advice on adjusting the ration or implementing adsorbent solutions
Beyond analytical services, YesWeLab also offers personalized regulatory support . Experts can help interpret results, define alert thresholds tailored to the client's business, or guide them towards effective technical solutions (adsorbent additives, reformulation, batch recalls).
This ability to combine technical expertise, digital service and laboratory network makes YesWeLab an essential player for any company concerned with controlling the risk of mycotoxins in its value chain.
