Fast Determination of Fumonisin B1 and B2 in Corn Using a Modified QuEChERS Method and LC–MS–MS

Abstract

A fast analytical method for the simultaneous determination of fumonisin B1 (FB1) and fumonisin B2 (FB2) in corn using a novel QuEChERS method and LC–MS–MS was developed and validated. Samples were extracted with methanol–water (3:1 v/v) by means of ultrasonic extraction. The extract was purified with a novel modified QuEChERS method. Firstly, FB1 and FB2 in the extract were retained with primary secondary amine (PSA). Then, FB1 and FB2 were released from PSA with 1.0 % formic acid in methanol. The final eluate was diluted with water, and analyzed by LC–MS–MS on a Waters Acquity BEH C18 column with 0.1 % formic acid in water/methanol as mobile phase with gradient elution. Mean recoveries of 83.5–102.4 % with CVs of 3.6–10.5 % were obtained at fortification levels of 2, 50 and 1,000 μg kg−1. The limit of quantification was 2.0 μg kg−1.