Development and validation of a reliable LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin in maize and oats

• DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2021.106599
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03T19:53:43Z
• Authors: Ibrahim F. Tahoun; Mohamed A. Gab-Allah; Randa N. Yamani; Adel B. Shehata
• Keywords: Repeatability; Matrix (chemical analysis); Solid phase extraction; Sample Preparation

Abstract Herein, a new analytical method for sensitive, rapid and reliable determination of two major trichothecenes: deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin (T2) in maize and oats has been successfully established and validated. Acetonitrile/water mixture was used for sample extraction, and two solid phase extraction clean-up routes (i.e., Oasis HLB cartridges and MycoSep 227 columns) were investigated for optimal recoveries and adequate clean-up efficiency. The investigated mycotoxins were separated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) system and quantified by triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using an electro spray-ionization interface (ESI) operating in positive polarity. MRM experiments were optimized for each trichothecene to generate high sensitive transitions. The method was validated according to European Union Directive: 2002/657/EC. Matrix-matched calibration demonstrated nice linearity in the concentration range of 5–200 µg/kg (T2) and 10–800 µg/kg (DON) with a coefficient of determination (R2) of >0.999. Fortified samples covering the same concentration ranges yielded average recovery values ranged from 85.0 to 95.3% with relative standard deviation (RSD) for the repeatability and reproducibility of