A comprehensive review on recent progress in application of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents in sample preparation of mycotoxin in foods

Contamination of food products with mycotoxins is an important challenge to food safety and public health, highlighting the need for the development of efficient and reliable analytical methods. Sample preparation plays a crucial role in mycotoxin analysis due to the complexity of food matrices and the low concentrations involved. Conventional preparation techniques have limitations such as the use of large amounts of organic solvents, time-consuming processes, and process complexity. A new area of research focuses on replacing toxic organic solvents with green solvents in extraction processes for mycotoxins from food samples. Deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids, introduced as second-generation extraction mediums, are used in various sample preparation methods prior to analytical determinations. This review article discusses the use of these solvents in both classic and modern extraction methods used for mycotoxin analysis in food samples along with their advantages and disadvantages. All aspects of these methods are covered and the properties of these solvents will be considered. • ILs and DESs types, properties, and applications were reviewed. • The application of ILs and DESs based sample preparation methods was discussed. • Advantages and disadvantages of all developed methods were considered in food analysis. • The application of ILs and DESs in food analysis was reviewed.