MycotoxinDB: A Data-Driven Platform for Investigating Masked Forms of Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are likely to be converted into masked forms when subjected to plant metabolism or food processing. These masked forms of mycotoxins together with their prototypes may cause mixture toxicity effects, causing adverse effects on animal welfare and productivity. The structure elucidation of masked mycotoxins is the most challenging task in mycotoxin research due to the limitations of traditional analysis methods. To assist in the rapid identification of masked mycotoxins, we developed a data-driven online prediction tool, MycotoxinDB, based on reaction rules. Using MycotoxinDB, we identified seven masked DONs from wheat samples. Given its widespread applications, we expect that MycotoxinDB will become an indispensable tool in future mycotoxin research. MycotoxinDB is freely available at: http://www.mycotoxin-db.com/.

Automated summary

Mycotoxins can be converted into masked forms during plant metabolism or food processing, which, together with their prototypes, may cause mixture toxicity effects and have adverse effects on animal welfare and productivity. The structure elucidation of masked mycotoxins is challenging due to limitations in traditional analysis methods. To facilitate rapid identification, we developed MycotoxinDB, an online prediction tool based on reaction rules. Using MycotoxinDB, we successfully identified seven masked DONs from wheat samples. Given its widespread applications, MycotoxinDB is expected to become an indispensable tool in future mycotoxin research. MycotoxinDB is freely available at: http://www.mycotoxin-db.com/.