Maize (Zea mays L.) and mycotoxins: A review on optimization and validation of analytical methods by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry

• Published in: Trends in food science & technology 2020-05, Vol.99, p.542-565
• Main Authors: Leite, Marta, Freitas, Andreia, Silva, Ana Sanches, Barbosa, Jorge, Ramos, Fernando
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural pollution; Analytical methods; Cereals; Chromatography; Clean-up; Commodities; Contaminants; Corn; Crops; Environmental cleanup; Extraction; Fungi; Global health; LC-MS/MS; Liquid chromatography; Livestock; Livestock farming; Mass spectrometry; Mass spectroscopy; Mathematical analysis; Mycotoxins; Optimization; Physicochemical properties; Pollution monitoring; Sample preparation; Sampling designs; Scientific imaging; Solid phases; Spectroscopy; Toxins; Validation; Zea mays; Zea mays L
• ISSN: 0924-2244; 1879-3053
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2020.03.023

Mycotoxins are natural contaminants produced by fungal species that colonize and contaminate crops, in special cereals, either in the field or in post-harvest commodities. Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most valuable crops worldwide, and it is prone to be infected by mycotoxigenic fungi with severe impacts mostly affecting farmers and livestock workers. The constant change in the mycotoxic chart at a European level leads to the need of continuous monitoring, surveillance and control of this major global health and economic issue. The latest published studies based on the development of clean-up and extraction strategies with further analysis by liquid chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry (LC-MS(/MS)) techniques for the determination of mycotoxins in maize matrices are discussed. Sampling design is also addressed. Sample preparation strategies include Solid-Liquid Extraction, Solid Phase Extraction, multifunctional and immunoaffinity columns, and QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) technology. Validation parameters, including limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision and accuracy are compiled and compared among the different analytical methods. A vast number of analytical methodologies has been optimized and validated for mycotoxins determination in maize-based samples, but due to the chemical diversity of these toxins as well as the growing appearance of the so-called emerging mycotoxins, new methods continue to be developed and published. LC-MS/MS has become the golden method for the simultaneous multi-mycotoxin analysis, with different sample preparation approaches, due to the range of different physicochemical properties of these chemicals. [Display omitted] •Maize, a prominent global crop, is highly susceptible to mycotoxins contamination.•Proper sampling design strategies are decisive for reliable results.•Optimization of sample preparation is required for each individual maize matrix.•LC-MS(/MS) techniques are the most powerful tools for mycotoxin multi-analyses.•Validation of analytical methods is crucial for effective risk assessment plans.