Detection of tetrodotoxin by thin-layer chromatography/fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry

Abstract

A new method for detection of tetrodotoxin (TTX) by thin-layer chromatography/fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry was developed. TTX and/or related substances were separated by TLC on LHP-K high-performance precoated plates, with a solvent system of pyridine:ethyl acetate:acetic acid:water (15:5:3:4). The plates were subjected to positive FAB mass spectrometry, under scanning within a mass range from m z 100 to 500. TTX was identified by selected ion-monitored chromatograms at m z 320 (M + H) + and 302 (M + HH 2O) +, along with full scan positive ion FAB mass spectrometry. The limit of detection for TTX was about 0.1 μg. TTX was also detected by cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis/FAB mass spectrometry.