Fate of deoxynivalenol, T-2 and HT-2 toxins and their glucoside conjugates from flour to bread: an investigation by high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry

Deoxynivalenol, T-2 and HT-2 toxins are mycotoxins frequently occurring in cereals and cereal-based products along with their conjugated forms. In this paper, we provide insights into the fate of deoxynivalenol, T-2 and HT-2 toxins and their glucoside derivatives during bread making, using naturally contaminated wheat flour. High-resolution mass spectrometry was used to assess the extent of degradation of the three mycotoxins during bread baking and to identify some glucoside conjugates, namely deoxynivalenol, T-2 and HT-2 mono-glucosides, detected both in the flour and in the respective breads. Our findings show deoxynivalenol's levels markedly increased upon baking, whereas those of HT-2 and T-2 toxins were decreased in the final bread with special regard to the T-2 toxin.