Comparison between the Four-parameter and Five-parameter Logistics Equations in the Determination of the Limits of Detection of Ochratoxin A

Abstract

Ochratoxin A, a type of mycotoxin, was detected in plant sample matrices using the "optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy" (OWLS) method. The calibration curve for the detection of ochratoxin A utilizing "optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy" (OWLS) displayed a sigmoidal shape; hence, the 5-parameter logistics (5-PL) or 4-parameters logistics (4-PL) model should be used to fit the data rather than a linear model. Through the use of error function analysis and various functions such as Bias Factor, corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc), adjusted correlation coefficient (adjR2), Hannan–Quinn information criterion (HQC), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), and Accuracy Factor, the distinction between the 5-PL and 4-PL models is found to be inconsistent. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) confidence intervals overlapped, indicating no difference between the two methods; the 4-PL model was chosen because of its fewer parameters. The Limits of Detection (LOD) calculated using the 4-PL equation was 0.818 ng/mL, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.526-1.143 ng/mL. This value falls within the estimated range of 0.5 to 10 ng/mL found in the first investigation. Not only was the linear component of the data curve successfully represented by this study's use of the 4-PL model, but the model was also successful in representing the entire date curve.