Press Releases
VICAM ANNOUNCES NEW WB LINE FOR HPLC
Wide bore columns for aflatoxin and zearalenone lauded for faster flow rate
WATERTOWN, MA (January 10, 2003) –– VICAM, a world leader in agricultural biotechnology and bioseparations, has introduced two new HPLC-only test products for the determination of aflatoxin and zearalenone. These two new tests, AflaTest™ WB and ZearalaTest™ WB, further demonstrate VICAM’s depth in the mycotoxin testing marketplace and sensitivity to their HPLC customers’ needs. Building on VICAM’s successful AflaTest and ZearalaTest tests, the WB tests use a wider column that affords a faster flow rate and is designed exclusively for HPLC use.
Klaus Ruttmann, European Sales Manager for VICAM, applauds the introduction of the wide bore columns. “I am extremely pleased by VICAM’s positive developments for the European market. Our manifest presence is due to the competence and high quality of our products; wide bore columns are an additional product to respond to the various needs of our customers. The wide bore columns have been thoroughly tested by independent German laboratories and have obtained excellent results. Recovery rates for all aflatoxins were remarkably high, between 95% and 105%. We are especially proud of the excellent results of our wide bore columns.”
About Aflatoxin and Zearalenone
Aflatoxin, a toxin from a naturally occurring mold, is a Group 1 carcinogen
proven to cause cancer in humans. Throughout the world, there are significant
regulations on the prescence of aflatoxins in food. The European Commission
has action levels for aflatoxin in groundnuts, nuts, dried fruit, and
cereals intended for direct human consumption or for ingredients in
foodstuffs. These action levels are 4ppb total aflatoxin and 2 ppb
for aflatoxin B1. Additionally, EU member states
have established their own maximum levels for aflatoxins in food and
feedstuffs which are not included in the EC regulations.
Zearalenone is an estrogenic mycotoxin produced by the fungus Fusarium graminearum. Zearalenone induces feminization in animals at concentrations in feed of about 1 ppm. Higher concentrations (50-100 ppm) can interfere with conception, ovulation, implantation, fetal development, and the viability of newborn animals.
About AflaTest WB and ZearalaTest
WB
AflaTest WB and ZearalaTest WB function identical to VICAM’s original
HPLC-use AflaTest and ZearalaTest, using immunoaffinity column chromatography
to isolate and detect each mycotoxin. WB columns have a total volume
of 3mL, compared to the total volume of 1mL found in VICAM’s regular
columns. These wide bore columns allow for a faster flow rate preferred
by many laboratories. Test results from an independent German laboratory
show higher percent recoveries and better precision using WB columns
over other immunoaffinity columns.
Dr. Sebastian Kastrup of Wiertz, Eggert, Jorissen (W.E.J. - Hamburg, Germany) offers a users’ opinion of the WB columns,
“ We were able to test the new wide bore columns and were impressed with the faster flow rate as well as the extremely good recovery rate. The presence of trace amounts of mycotoxins in problematic matrices such as certain spices can be detected quickly and easily. As the wide bore format increases passage capacity and existing test methods do not need to be changed, the columns are very welcome in our laboratory.”
Availability and Pricing
Orders are currently being accepted for AflaTest WB and ZearalaTest WB.
Pricing information may be obtained by contacting VICAM or your local
VICAM distributor.
About VICAM
VICAM is a world leader in agricultural biotechnology and bioseparations.
VICAM delivers improved animal reproductivity, increased agricultural
productivity, and safeguarded food quality with patented bioseparations
and detection products worldwide. Their products include detection,
measurement, and separations technologies for veterinary reproductive
applications, foodborne carcinogens, and living cells. To date, VICAM
has applied its technologies to 18 products and 3 prototypes. VICAM
supports a global scientific and distribution presence to develop,
market, sell, and service their products in 98 countries worldwide.
For more information, contact Jennifer Smith at VICAM, 313 Pleasant
Street, Watertown, MA 02472 U.S.A.
All VICAM products are protected by worldwide patents and trademarks.
Contact:
Jennifer Smith
Manager of Corporate Communications
VICAM
Tel: +1.617.926.7045
Fax: +1.617.923.8055