Validation of an LC-MS Method for Quantification of Mycotoxins and Characterization of Fungal Strains Occurring in Food and Feed

• DOI: 10.3390/chemosensors13030106
• Publication Date: 2025-03-14T17:07:51Z
• Authors: Julien Masquelier; Emmanuel K. Tangni; Pierre Becker; Julie Sanders; Joëlle Laporte; Birgit Mertens
• Keywords: Repeatability; Patulin; Food contaminant

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring secondary metabolites produced by specific fungal strains. They can cause adverse effects, posing a serious health threat to both humans and livestock. Focusing on several mycotoxins, this study first aimed at optimizing validating an ultra-high liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry quantification method. This method was then applied evaluate the production of targeted mycotoxins in maize cultivated presence Aspergillus spp., Fusarium Alternaria spp. The limits detection analytical for different ranged between 0.5 200 μg kg−1, while were 1 400 kg−1. linearities calibration curves evaluated, with calculated R2 values above 0.99. mean recoveries fell within acceptable range 74.0–106.0%, repeatability not higher than 14.4% RSD, highest intra-laboratory reproducibility 16.2% RSD. expanded measurement uncertainties 4.0% 54.7%. Several strains grains demonstrated produce toxins, µg kg−1 mg levels aflatoxins up g fumonisins, zearalenone, alternariol.