MALDI TOF mass spectrometry of selected mycotoxins in barley

Abstract

A novel method for the simultaneous determination of the trichothecene mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3-ADON), and 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON) in barley and malt extracts has been developed using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS). This technique enables highly sensitive and fast analysis and/or detection using very small samples. In this work several matrices were examined and the most suitable ones were identified. Statistical analysis was carried out to verify the ability of the system to determine the mycotoxins in a real sample. Test for the accuracy of the method, repeatability, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were studied. Moreover, the accuracy of the method was confirmed by comparing analytical data to certified values from reference materials for those mycotoxins. In addition, a comparison of the analytical parameters for the determination of DON, 3-ADON, 15-ADON, and Nivalenol was carried out. This work opens up the possibility of very sensitive determination of the selected mycotoxins in barley, malt, cereals and food.