Multiplexing data independent untargeted workflows for mycotoxins screening on a quadrupole-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry platform.

Abstract

A new multi-analytical strategy was developed to screen mycotoxins and their transformation products in nutraceuticals from green tea. Seven class mycotoxins were determined using a fully automated on-line extraction procedure followed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. This multi-analytical methodology has been explored providing an entire spectrum of fragment ion peaks for each mycotoxin, which allows unbiased high-throughput screening and quantitation of non-target mycotoxins. The validated mycotoxins exhibited satisfactory recoveries in the range of 82-108% in accordance with 2002/657/EC. The coefficients of linear determination were in the range of 0.9920-0.9999, with relative standard deviations were in the range of 3.2-14.9%. CCβ ranged between 0.022 μg kg-1 and 0.50 μg kg-1. The screening and confirmation method was applied to green tea nutraceuticals. Seven samples were found to be positive for mycotoxins at concentrations ranging from 0.23 μg kg-1 (3-acetyldeoxynivalenol) to 7.92 μg kg-1 (T-2 toxin).