Detection of fungal contamination of cereal grain samples by an electronic nose

Fungal growth on cereal grains decreases their nutritional value and constitutes health hazards, probably, because of the production of toxic metabolites (mycotoxins). Therefore, attempts are coming out to detect and quantify the degree of fungal infection at the early stage of mold infection. One of the most promising techniques is the analysis of volatile compounds in the headspace gas surrounding the samples. The aim of this work was to study the possibility of the application of electronic nose for an early detection of volatile compounds in infected samples and to discriminate between non-infected and infected samples with two different species of fungi (Penicillium chrysogenum and Fusarium verticillioides). Moreover, GC–MS analysis of the headspaces of the same samples confirmed that electronic nose as a powerful tool is able to provide satisfactory indications about the rate of contamination.