High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of multi-mycotoxin in cereals and bean foodstuffs using interference-removal solid-phase extraction combined with optimized dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction.

A novel pre-treatment was proposed for the simultaneous determination of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and zearalenone in foodstuffs using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The analytical procedure was based on a first step using a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe based extraction procedure, followed by salting out and purification with a C18 solid-phase extraction column as interference removal clean-up. Subsequently, collected supernatant was subjected to dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction. Response surface methodology based on central composite design was employed to optimize conditions in the microextraction procedure. Under the optimum conditions, satisfactory analytical performance with recoveries ranging from 63.22 to 107.6% were achieved in different types of cereals and beans, as well as desirable precisions (0.81-8.13%). Limits of detections and quantifications for these six mycotoxins ranging from 0.03 to 13 µg/kg and 0.22 to 44 µg/kg, respectively, were obtained. Finally, the established method was successfully validated by four certified reference materials (P = 0.897 > 0.05) and applied to 79 samples from local markets.

Simultaneous and rapid determination of deoxynivalenol and its acetylate derivatives in wheat flour and rice by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with photo diode array detection.

A simple and reliable method of ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo-diode array detection has been proposed for the simultaneous determination of deoxynivalenol and its acetylated derivatives in wheat flour and rice, especially focusing on the optimization of sample extraction, cleanup, and chromatographic separation conditions. Sample pretreatment consisted of a first step using a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe based extraction procedure and a subsequent cleanup step based on solid-phase extraction. The method was extensively validated in wheat flour and rice, obtaining satisfactory analytical performance with good linearity (R(2) ≥ 0.999), acceptable recoveries (80.0-104.4%), and repeatability (RSDs 1.3-10.7%). The limits of detection (21.7-57.4 µg/kg) and quantitation (72.3-191.4 µg/kg) for deoxynivalenols were lower than those usually permitted by various countries' legislation in these food matrices. The method was applied to 34 wheat and rice samples. The results were further compared with results of ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

Study of the matrix effects of tetrodotoxin and its content in cooked seafood by liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry.

Tetrodotoxin is a marine biotoxin with high acute toxicity. The levels in cooked seafood will help us to assess its intake in humans and may help assess the risk of toxicity. However, heavy matrices hinder the direct quantitation of tetrodotoxin. A quantitative method of measuring tetrodotoxin in cooked seafood using liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was established in this study. Tetrodotoxin was extracted from the sample matrix using 2% formic acid in methanol and cleaned using a cation exchange cartridge. The cleanup conditions were optimized. The matrix effects were determined using the postextraction spiking method and by comparing the slope of the linear regression equation in sample matrix to that in solvent. The limit of detection in the sample matrix was 5 µg/kg and the limit of quantification was 10 µg/kg. The mean recoveries at three spiking levels were 66.9-89.2% with relative standard deviations of 5.0-10.8% (n = 6) in five different matrices. Tetrodotoxin was found at concentrations of 26.1-2462 µg/kg in nine of 83 cooked seafoods tested in this study. Eight analogs of Tetrodotoxin were detected in the samples studied.

Multi-residue analysis of pesticides in tea by online SEC-GC/MS.

A multi-residue method for the analysis of pesticides in tea was developed by online size exclusion chromatography (SEC)-GC/MS with full scan mode. The sample was fortified with chlorpyrifos-d(10) isotope internal standard and extracted by acetonitrile. After purification by primary secondary amine sorbent and solvent exchange by SEC mobile phase, the sample was detected by online SEC-GC/MS. The purification result of the online system was evaluated by comparing the correlation between Chinese cabbage and tea matrix. The factors for method optimization included sample preparation, matrix effects and the instrument parameters of each online component. Scatter plot was introduced in this study to directly illustrate the results of the condition optimization and matrix effects in the online system. For most of the pesticides, the average recoveries ranged from 70 to 130% and the RSD were below 15%. The feasibility of the application of full scan mode in multi-residue determination of trace amounts of pesticides (LODs below 0.01 mg/kg) in a complex matrix was discussed.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in marine fish to the population in Zhejiang, China.

Environmental pollution with toxic metals can lead to the possible contamination of the marine fish. We investigated the levels of As, Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb in 652 marine fish samples (15 species) collected from coastal areas of Zhejiang, China and estimated their health risk. Mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb were 0.783, 0.009, 0.114, 0.031, 0.043 mg/kg wet weight. The average estimated daily intakes (EDIs) for As, Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb were 1.214, 0.014, 0.177, 0.048 and 0.067 µg/kg bw/day. The risk assessment at mean exposure level showed that there was no health risk associated with these elements through consumption of marine fish. However, potential health risk may exist for high exposure consumers considering the possible contamination of As and Hg. Given that the different levels of certain elements in marine fish in China, this study provides a scientific basis for food safety assessment and suggestions for risk management.

Determination of ibotenic acid and muscimol in plasma by liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with bimolecular dansylation.

Ibotenic acid (IBA) is an amino acid and muscimol (MUS) is the decarboxyl derivative of IBA. They are mushroom neurotoxins with high polarity and low molecular weight. Only one transition (159->113 for IBA and 115->98 for MUS) can be found when directly measured by high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Therefore, the identification and quantification of trace amount of the toxins in biomaterial are difficult. A highly sensitive and accurate analytical method for IBA and MUS in plasma was developed by LC-MS/MS with the application of bimolecular dansylation and internal standard calibration. Acetonitrile was used for protein precipitation and for toxin extraction from plasma. The toxins and internal standards (L-tyrosine-13C9,15N for IBA and tyramine-d4 for MUS) were derivatized with dansyl chloride (DNSCl). The reaction conditions of the bimolecular dansylation were optimized and the fragmentation pathways of the derivatives in MS/MS were studied. Method validation was carried out according to the Bioanalytical Method Validation Guidance for Industry (FDA, USA, 2018). The limits of detection for IBA and MUS in plasma were 0.3 ng mL-1 and 0.1 ng mL-1, respectively. The linear ranges in plasma were 1-500 ng mL-1 and 1-200 ng mL-1 with the correlation coefficients of 0.998 and 0.999 for IBA and MUS, respectively. The recoveries at three spiked levels were 90.7-111.4% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 6.4-10.3% for IBA and the results were 85.1-94.2% with RSDs of 5.0-8.9% for MUS. The toxin levels in patients' plasma samples under different poisoning degree were presented.

Screening of multi-class antibiotics in pork meat by LC-Orbitrap-MS with modified QuEChERS extraction.

The quantification capability of high resolution mass spectrometry is of great interest to analysts. We described a method for analysis of multi-class antibiotics in pork meat by UPLC-quadrupole (Q)-Orbitrap-MS. The QuEChERS approach with a clean-up step using a sorbent of primary-secondary amine (PSA) and C18 was adopted for sample preparation, and 37 antibiotics including beta-lactams, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones and macrolides were analyzed. The Q-Orbitrap method showed high sensitivity with limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 0.8 µg kg-1 to 2.9 µg kg-1. The method was further validated by intra and inter-day tests with fortified samples. Recovery (85-105.6%) and precision values (RSDs < 15%) for all analytes were obtained. The result indicates that UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS coupled with QuEChERS preparation can serve as a routine method for multi-class antibiotic analysis in pork meat.

Distribution of metals and metalloids in dried seaweeds and health risk to population in southeastern China.

Concern about metals and metalloids, especially heavy metals in seaweeds has risen due to potential health risk. This study investigated the distribution of 10 metals and metalloids in 295 dried seaweeds (brown and red) and estimated the possible health risk via hazard index (HI). Elements in seaweeds can be sequenced in descending order by mean values: Al > Mn > As > Cu > Cr > Ni > Cd > Se > Pb > Hg. The levels of Cd, Cu, Mn and Ni in red seaweeds were significantly higher than those in brown seaweeds (P < 0.01). Correlation analysis showed contents of Ni-Cr (r = 0.59, P < 0.01) in seaweeds had moderate positive correlations. Seaweeds from different geographical origins had diverse element distribution. Risk assessment showed that HI at mean level was less than the threshold of 1. It indicates that for the general people there is low health risk to these elements by the intake of seaweeds. Furthermore, in terms of the confirmative toxicity of some metals, such as Cd, Pb and Hg, surveillance of metals in seaweeds should be performed continuously.

Authentication of pork in meat mixtures using PRM mass spectrometry of myosin peptides.

Adulteration of meat products is a major concern not only for economic fraud, but also for ethical reasons. In this study, we presented a parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) mass spectrometry approach for detection of trace pork in meat mixtures (chicken, sheep, and beef). Specific peptides were identified and screened by a shotgun proteomic approach based on tryptic digests of certain protein. Five surrogate peptides from myosin were screened and then used for pork detection by PRM of Orbitrap MS. When the most sensitive peptide was selected, the LOD in mixed meat can be up to 0.5%. The RSD values between detected and designated pork levels (1%, 5% and 50%) were 4-15%. The targeted method developed can be applied to identify and quantify the pork in meat mixture.

A feasibility study of producing a peanut oil matrix candidate reference material and its application to support monitoring of aflatoxins statues for public health purposes.

The first peanut oil reference materials in naturally contaminated aflatoxins was developed, because of the high consumption of this product and the potential risk associated herewith. Based on liquid chromatographic method, homogeneity, short-term of 60 °C for seven days and long-term of 25 °C for twelve months' stability studies of candidates were assessed. The obtained data and statistical results showed a successful feasibility study, without any significant trend. Nine selected expert laboratories were invited to certify the contents of candidates using distinguish quantitative liquid chromatographic method. The certified values and expanded uncertainties (k = 2) for these two batches were 6.5 ±â€¯1.6 µg/kg, 29.3 ±â€¯5.3 µg/kg for aflatoxin B1; 1.2 ±â€¯0.3 µg/kg, 5.2 ±â€¯0.9 µg/kg for aflatoxin B2; 5.0 ±â€¯0.4 µg/kg, 8.4 ±â€¯0.7 µg/kg for aflatoxin G1; and 2.1 ±â€¯0.2 µg/kg, 3.5 ±â€¯0.2 µg/kg for aflatoxin G2, respectively.

Fast and quantitative determination of saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin in urine by ultra performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry based on the cleanup of solid phase extraction with hydrophilic interaction mechanism.

Saxitoxin (STX) and neosaxitoxin (NEO) are water-soluble toxins and their cleanup in bio-matrix is a hot topic but difficult problem. A fast and quantitative determination method for STX and NEO in urine was developed using ultra performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based on the cleanup of solid phase extraction (SPE) with hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) mechanism. Acetonitrile/methanol/water mixture was used to extract the toxins in urine. Polyamide (PA) was used as HILIC SPE material to clean the toxins in sample matrix. The limits of detection were 0.2ngmL-1 for STX and 1ngmL-1 for NEO in urine. The linear ranges were 0.5ngmL-1-99.2ngmL-1 with the correlation coefficient of r=0.9992 for STX and 2.1ngmL-1-207ngmL-1 with r=0.997 for NEO in urine matrix. The recoveries at three spiking levels were 81.5%-117% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 5.4%-8.5% for STX and 89.0%-118% with the RSDs of 6.7%-9.1% for NEO. STX was found in all the 6 patients' urines while NEO was only found in one sample from an intoxication case.

Quantification of 16 ß-lactams in chicken muscle by QuEChERS extraction and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS with parallel reaction monitoring.

A method is described for the analysis of 16 ß-lactams in chicken muscle by UPLC-quadrupole(Q)-Orbitrap-MS with parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). QuEChERS approach includes clean-up step by sorbent of primary-secondary amine (PSA) and C18 was adopted for sample preparation. Q-Orbitrap with PRM showed high sensitivity with limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.01µgkg-1 to 0.35µgkg-1. The method was further validated by intra- and inter-day test with spiking levels less than MRLs (maximum residue limits, the European Union). Recovery (83-112%) and precision values (RSDs <15%) for all studied analytes were obtained. The result indicates that UPLC-Q-Orbitrap coupled with QuEChERS preparation can serve as a routine quantification method for ß-lactam residues in chicken muscles.

Simultaneous determination of five Alternaria toxins in cereals using QuEChERS-based methodology.

Two analytical approaches, including ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph linked with photo-diode array/fluorescence detector, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, have been proposed for simultaneous determination of five Alternaria toxins in cereals, which both based on QuEChERS strategy. After QuEChERS extraction and salting out, the collected supernatant was subjected to an extra dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction step prior to quantitative analysis. Response surface methodology based on central composite design was employed to optimize the micro-extraction conditions. During photo-diode array/fluorescence detector method validation, satisfactory analytical characteristics, in terms of selectivity, recovery (72.7%-109.1%), precision (inter-day RSDs <9.6%), sensitivity (limits of quantification ranged from 2.1µgkg-1 to 120.0µgkg-1) and linearity (R2 all higher than 0.9984), were achieved. Mass spectrometry method was employed as a certified method for accuracy. The two methodologies were successfully applied to 71 samples including three different matrices and the quantitative results were compared. As the result of non-parametric test shown, the established two analytical approach exhibited comparable quantitative accuracy to each other.

Simultaneous determination of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol and acrylamide in food by gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with coupled column separation.

Both 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and acrylamide are contaminants found in heat-processed foods and their related products. A quantitative method was developed for the simultaneous determination of both contaminants in food by gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The analytes were purified and extracted by the matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction (MSPDE) technique with Extrelut NT. A coupled column (a 3 m Innowax combined with a 30 m DB-5 ms) was developed to separate both compounds efficiently without derivatization. Triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM) was applied to suppress matrix interference and obtain good sensitivity in the determination of both analytes. The limit of detection (LOD) in the sample matrix was 5 µg kg(-1) for 3-MCPD or acrylamide. The average recoveries for 3-MCPD and acrylamide in different food matrices were 90.5-107% and 81.9-95.7%, respectively, with the intraday relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 5.6-13.5% and 5.3-13.4%, respectively. The interday RSDs were 6.1-12.6% for 3-MCPD and were 5.0-12.8% for acrylamide. Both contaminants were found in samples of bread, fried chips, fried instant noodles, soy sauce, and instant noodle flavoring. Neither 3-MCPD nor acrylamide was detected in the samples of dairy products (solid or liquid samples) and non-fried instant noodles.

Direct determination of melamine in dairy products by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with coupled column separation.

A coupled capillary column system was developed for the qualitative and quantitative determination of melamine with isotope internal standard in dairy products by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) without derivatization. A 30 m of DB-5 ms ((5%-phenyl)-methylpolysiloxane, 0.25 mm i.d., 0.25 microm df) coupled with a 1.5 m of Innowax (polyethylene glycol, 0.32 mm i.d., 0.25 microm df) by a quartz capillary column connector was introduced as separation column. Three advantages were discussed for the coupled system. The sample was fortified with a ring-labeled (13)C(3)(15)N(3)-melamine as an isotope internal standard and extracted by 1% of trichloroacetic acid aqueous solution. 2.2% of lead acetate solution was then added to deposit protein in the sample matrix. After purification by cation exchange cartridge, the sample solution was directly injected and detected by GC/MS. A six-point calibration curve ranging from 0.05 to 2 mg kg(-1) of melamine in sample was used to establish instrument response. The recovery was 93.9-102% with relative standard deviation from 3.1 to 8.7% when isotope internal standard used. The calculated method detection limit was 0.01 mg kg(-1).