UHPLC-ToF-MS method for determination of multi-mycotoxins in maize: Development and validation

• Published in: Current research in food science 2019-11, Vol.1, p.1-7
• Main Authors: Silva, Ana Sanches, Brites, Carla, Pouca, Ana Vila, Barbosa, Jorge, Freitas, Andreia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cereals; Maize; Mycotoxins; Time-of-flight mass spectrometry; Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography; Validation
• ISSN: 2665-9271; 2665-9271
• DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2019.07.001

An Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography combined with Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC–ToF-MS) method has been developed for determination of nine mycotoxins, namely aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEA), toxin T2 (T2) and fumonisins (FB1 and FB2) in maize. The method included a two-step extraction with acetonitrile 80% (v/v). After optimization, the analytical method was validated. The different concentrations tested take in account the Maximum Levels (ML) for maize (Commission Regulation EC no. 1881/2006) and good results for repeatability (%RSDr ≤ 15.4%), reproducibility (%RSDR ≤ 15.9%) and recovery (77.8–110.4%, except for AFG2 at 2 μg/kg which presented a recovery of 73.4%) were achieved. These met the performance criteria imposed by Commission Regulation (EC) no. 401/2006. The method was applied to twenty-two samples from Portuguese producers of maize. Fumonisins were the most frequently detected mycotoxins, but the levels do not exceed those imposed by European legislation. [Display omitted] •A UHPLC–ToF-MS method was developed for determination of nine mycotoxins in maize.•Validation of the method was performed taking in account the EU maximum legal limits for maize.•Good results for repeatability, reproducibility and recovery were achieved.•The method was applied to 22 samples from Portuguese producers of maize.•Fumonisins were the most frequently detected mycotoxins.