Confirmation of synthetic glucocorticoids with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry: organization and results of an international interlaboratory comparison test

Within the framework of a European Union (EU) research project entitled "Food Safety Screening: Synthetic Glucocorticoids (QLK1-1999-00122)," an international interlaboratory ring test was organized to compare and evaluate different liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) confirmatory methods that are applied in European monitoring programs for detecting the use of synthetic glucocorticoids. Liver and urine samples of bovines treated with synthetic glucocorticoids were collected and sent to the participants of the study for analysis. Participants received 3 liver and 3 urine samples and were free to use either their own LC/MS method or an LC/MS-based method developed during the EU research project. The residue concentrations in the samples were calculated as the mean of the concentrations reported by each laboratory. The mean dexamethasone concentration of liver sample L1 was calculated as 2.27 microg/kg [relative standard deviation (RSD) 43%, n = 9], which exceeds the maximum residue level (MRL) of 2 microg/kg. Three of the 9 laboratories (33%) reported concentration levels less than 2 microg/kg, resulting in obviously false compliant results. The overall mean concentration of flumethasone in liver sample L2 was calculated as 3.27 microg/kg (RSD 33%, n = 8). Applying a comparable limit for flumethasone of 2 microg/kg, 8 of the 9 laboratories would have obtained a correct noncompliant result. As for the blank liver sample, 1 participant found a false noncompliant result. The urine sample U1 contained prednisolone residues at a mean concentration of 1.58 microg/kg (RSD 43%, n = 9). Four out of 9 results were less than a theoretical minimum required performance level (MRPL) of 2 microg/kg. The calculated concentration of dexamethasone in urine sample U3 was 5.21 microg/kg (RSD 62%, n = 9). One of the 9 results was lower than 2 microg/kg. Urine sample U2 was correctly reported as blank by all participants.     

Determination of pesticides in apples by liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and estimation of measurement uncertainty

A liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to determine 90 pesticides in apple samples. MS/MS data acquisition was achieved by applying multiple-reaction monitoring of 2 fragment ion transitions to provide a high degree of sensitivity and selectivity for both quantitation and confirmation. Matrix-matched standard calibration curves with the use of isotopically labeled standards (or a chemical analog) as internal standards were used to achieve the best accuracy for the method. Both a conventional method validation procedure and a designed experiment were applied to study the accuracy and precision of the method. A compiled computer program that provided a semiautomated procedure for handling a large number of calculations was used to calculate the overall recovery, intermediate precision, and measurement uncertainty (MU). In general, the overall recoveries from samples spiked at levels of 10, 50, and 80 microg/kg, ranged from 60.8 to 121.1%, intermediate precision was <10%, and MUs were <30%. Poor accuracy and/or repeatability was observed for pyridate and etofenprox. The method limits of detection based on a signal-to-noise ratio of >3 were usually <1 microg/kg (ppb), except those for aldicarb sulfoxide and pyridaphenthion, which were about 5 microg/kg.     

Determination of peanut allergens in cereal-chocolate-based snacks: metal-tag inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry immunoassay versus liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A comparison of two methods for the identification and determination of peanut allergens based on europium (Eu)-tagged inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) immunoassay and on liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) with a triple quadrupole mass analyzer was carried out on a complex food matrix like a chocolate rice crispy-based snack. The LC/MS/MS method was based on the determination of four different peptide biomarkers selective for the Ara h2 and Ara h3/4 peanut proteins. The performance of this method was compared with that of a non-competitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method with ICP-MS detection of the metal used to tag the antibody for the quantitative peanut protein analysis in food. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantitation of the ICP-MS immunoassay were 2.2 and 5 microg peanuts g(-1) matrix, respectively, the recovery ranged from 86 +/- 18% to 110 +/- 4% and linearity was proved in the 5-50 microg g(-1) range. The LC/MS/MS method allowed us to obtain LODs of 1 and 5 microg protein g(-1) matrix for Ara h3/4 and Ara h2, respectively, thus obtaining significantly higher values with respect to the ELISA ICP-MS method, taking into account the different expression for concentrations. Linearity was established in the 10-200 microg g(-1) range of peanut proteins in the food matrix investigated and good precision (RSD <10%) was demonstrated. Both the two approaches, used for screening or confirmative purposes, showed the power of mass spectrometry when used as a very selective detector in difficult matrices even if some limitations still exist, i.e. matrix suppression in the LC/ESI-MS/MS procedure and the change of the Ag/Ab binding with matrix in the ICP-MS method.     

Residue analysis of kresoxim‐methyl and boscalid in fruits,vegetables and soil using liquid–liquid extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

A GC‐MS procedure for simultaneously determining and validating kresoxim‐methyl and boscalid has been developed in fruit, vegetable and soil matrices. The method was based on one‐step liquid–liquid extraction with acetone and dichloromethane solvents. Estimated limits of detection (LODs) for kresoxim‐methyl and boscalid were 0.006 and 0.015 mg/kg, and limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.02 and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐ precision were achieved with RSD better than 13.8 and 14.5%, and recoveries were in the range of 77.1–98.7% for kresoxim‐methyl and 72.8–105.1% for boscalid. The expanded uncertainties calculated at 0.1 mg/kg were below 18%. Concentration levels for residues of the two fungicides in melon samples from field trials collected 7 days after the last application were clearly below the established MRL values. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Determination of selected non-authorized insecticides in peppers by liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry

In this work, two analytical methods based on liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-TOFMS) and tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) are described for the identification, confirmation and quantitation of three insecticides non-authorized in the European Union (nitenpyram, isocarbophos and isofenphos-methyl) but detected in recent monitoring programmes in pepper samples. The proposed methodologies involved a sample extraction procedure using liquid-liquid partition with acetonitrile followed by a cleanup step based on dispersive solid-phase extraction. Recovery studies performed on peppers spiked at different fortification levels (10 and 50 microg kg(-1)) yielded average recoveries in the range 76-100% with relative standard deviation (RSD) (%) values below 10%. Identification, confirmation and quantitation were carried out by LC/TOFMS and LC/MS/MS using a hybrid triple quadrupole linear ion trap (QqLIT) instrument in multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The obtained limits of quantitation (LOQs) were in the range 0.1-5 microg kg(-1), depending on each individual technique. Finally, the proposed methods were successfully applied to the analysis of suspected pepper samples.     

Confirmatory assay for the simultaneous detection of penicillins and cephalosporins in milk using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

A high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the detection of residues of penicillins and cephalosporins in milk has been developed. After a simple extraction with acetonitrile, the extract was directly injected into the LC/MS/MS system on a C(18) column. A gradient consisting of acetonitrile and water, each containing 0.1% formic acid, was applied. The abundant parent ions [M + H](+) produced by positive electrospray ionisation were selected for fragmentation with argon. For each compound at least one fragment was recorded with multiple reaction monitoring. The limits of detection ranged from 1.5 to 25 microg/kg and the limits of quantification ranged from 4 to 50 microg/kg. Recoveries were examined at three levels (MRL, 0.5 x MRL, 2 x MRL) and ranged from 57 to 88%. The coefficients of variation obtained for the repeatability experiments were in agreement with those specified by the Horwitz equation. Linearity was checked by injecting extracts of samples spiked with increasing amounts of the different standards ranging from 0 to 150 microg/kg. The advantage of this method over existing methods is the very simple sample pre-treatment which makes the method very suitable for routine analysis.     

Determination of eight sulfonamides in bovine kidney by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry with on-line extraction and sample clean-up

A sensitive, high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (i.e. mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry; LC/MS/MS) method with on-line extraction and sample clean-up for the screening and confirmation of residues of sulfonamides in kidney is described. The sulfonamides are extracted from homogenized kidney with methanol. After centrifugation of the extract, an aliquot of the extract is directly injected on the LC/MS/MS system with further extraction and clean-up of the sample on-line. Detection of the analytes was achieved by positive electrospray ionization (ESI) followed by multiple reaction monitoring. For each sulfonamide the collisional decomposition of the protonated molecule to a common, abundant fragment ion was monitored. The method has been validated for sulfadimethoxine, sulfaquinoxaline, sulfamethazine, sulfamerazine, sulfathiazole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine and sulfapyridine. Calibration curves resulting from spiked blank kidney samples at the 10-200 microg/kg level showed good linear correlation. At the level of 50, 100 and 200 microg/kg both within- and between-day precision, as measured by relative standard deviation (RSD), were less than 16%. The limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 5 to 13.5 microg/kg. The recoveries ranged from 78 to 82%. The procedure provides a rapid, reliable and sensitive method for the determination of residues of sulfonamides in bovine kidney. The advantage of this method over existing methods is its decreased sample preparation and analysis time, which makes the method more suitable for routine analysis.     

Determination of three natural pesticides in processed fruit and vegetables using high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

This paper describes a method for the sensitive and selective determination of two macrocyclic lactones (abamectin and spinosad) and azadirachtin in apple purée, concentrated lemon juice, tomato purée and canned peas. The general sample extraction-partitioning method for our gas chromatography and liquid chromatography multiresidue methods has been used. The analytical procedure involves an extraction with acetone and liquid-liquid partitioning with ethyl acetate/cyclohexane combined in one step. The extracts are analyzed by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) without any further clean-up step. The pesticides are separated on a reversed-phase C12 column using a gradient elution. Thirteen simultaneous MS/MS transitions of precursor ions were monitored. Studies at fortification levels of 2.5-10 microg/kg and 25-100 microg/kg gave mean recoveries ranging from 70-100% for all compounds with satisfactory precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) from 3-20%). The excellent selectivity and sensitivity allows quantification and identification of low levels of pesticides in canned peas, tomato and apple purées (limits of quantitation (LOQs) 1-5 microg/kg) and in concentrated lemon juice (LOQs 2-10 microg/kg). The quantification of analytes was carried out using the most sensitive transition for every compound and by 'matrix-matched' standards calibration.     

A sensitive confirmatory method for aflatoxins in maize based on liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) method for measurement of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in maize is described. Aflatoxins (AFs) were extracted from 1 g samples by using tri-portions of acetonitrile/water (80:20, v/v) (10 + 7 + 7 mL), and 2/5 of the extract diluted to 500 mL by water was cleaned up with a 100 mg Carbograph-4 cartridge. After the addition of the internal standard AFM1, the final extract was analyzed by LC/ESI-MS/MS in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring with a triple-quadrupole instrument. A C(18) column thermostatted at 45 degrees C with a mobile phase gradient of acetonitrile/water with 2 mmol/L ammonium formate was used. Although the matrix suppression effect was negligible, quantitation was achieved by an external calibration procedure using matrix-matched standard solutions to improve accuracy. Sample recoveries at four spiking levels ranged from 81 to 101% (relative standard deviation (RSD) 相似文献   

Determination of pesticide residues in honey by single-drop microextraction and gas chromatography

A novel, simple, and rapid single-drop microextraction (SDME) procedure combined with GC has been developed, validated, and applied for the determination of multiclass pesticide residues in honey samples. The SDME was optimized using a Plackett-Burman screening design considering all parameters that may influence an SDME procedure and a consequent central composite design to control the parameters that were found to significantly influence the pesticide determination. The developed analytical method required minimal volumes of organic solvents and exhibited good analytical characteristics with enrichment factors ranging from 3 for alpha-endosulfan to 10 for lindane, procymidone, and captan and method quantification limits ranging from 0.03 microg/kg for phosalone to 10.6 microg/kg for diazinon. The relative recoveries obtained ranged from 70.8% for captan to 120% for fenarimol, and the precision (RSD) ranged from 3 to 15%. The proposed SDME procedure followed by GC with an electron capture detector for quantification and GC/MS for identification was applied with success to the analysis of 17 honey samples. Monitoring results indicated a low level of honey contamination by diazinon, chlorpyrifos-ethyl, procymidone, bromopropylate, and endosulfan (alpha-, beta-, and endosulfan sulfate) residues that were far below the maximum residue limit values specified by the European Union for endosulfan (10 microg/kg) and bromopropylate (100 microg/kg) in honey samples.     

Analyses of pesticide residues in fruit-based baby food by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-TOFMS) method has been developed for the determination of 12 pesticides (namely, carbendazim, thiabendazole, imazalil, tridemorph, triadimefon, bitertanol, prochloraz, flutriafol, myclobutanil, iprodione, diphenylamine and procymidone) in fruit-based baby food (multi-fruit jars and juices intended for infant consumption). The developed method consists of a sample treatment step based on liquid-liquid extraction using acetonitrile, followed by a clean-up step based on dispersive solid-phase extraction (SPE) with a primary-secondary amine (PSA). Multi-fruit and apple juices were processed by a SPE procedure using Oasis HLB cartridges. Subsequent identification and quantitation was accomplished by LC/ESI-TOFMS analysis: the confirmation of the target pesticides was based on accurate mass measurements of selected ions (protonated molecules ([M+H]+) and fragment ions). Confirmation studies were accomplished at low concentration levels (10 microg kg-1) and accuracy errors lower than 2 ppm were obtained in most cases. Baby food extracts spiked at 10 microg kg-1 fortification level yielded average recoveries in the range 78-105% with relative standard deviations less than 10% for most of the analytes. Limits of detection (LODs) were between 0.1 and 4 microg kg-1 depending on the pesticide studied. Finally, the proposed method was applied to a total of 33 baby food samples from Spain and the United Kingdom. Although imazalil, thiabendazole and carbendazim were detected in a high number--over 60%- of baby food samples, none of the samples tested were found to be above the 0.01 mg kg-1 EU standard.     

Fast gas chromatography with solid phase extraction clean-up for ultratrace analysis of pesticide residues in baby food

A sample preparation method based on single solvent phase extraction and solid-phase extraction (SPE-NH2) clean-up is studied in combination with fast capillary gas chromatography (GC) to determine 18 selected pesticides belonging to various chemical classes in apples, the common raw material for baby food production and baby food, at the concentration level < or = 10 microg/kg maximum residual limit (MRL). Possibilities of mass spectrometry (MS) detector and electron capture detector (ECD) in fast gas chromatography (GC) of samples with complex matrice at ultra trace levels of pesticide residues were studied and compared. MS detection in single ion monitoring (SIM) mode provided higher selectivity compared to ECD. Optimisation of extraction as well as the simplifying of the whole process of sample preparation was carried out. Recoveries obtained at concentration level of 5 microg/kg (the required value for limit of quantification (LOQ) in baby food) were >90%, except of dimethoate (77.7%) and captan (46.4%) with MS detection. The obtained LOQs were at least 1 order lower than 5 microg/kg for the majority of compounds. The repeatability of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) measurements of the matrix matched standards expressed as relative standard deviation was <11% except of captan and cypermethrin.     

Direct determination of alkyl phosphates in human urine by liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

A novel and rapid procedure based on liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for the determination of dialkyl phosphates (metabolites of organophosphorus pesticides) in human urine has been developed. After addition of 40 mM tetrabutylammonium acetate, 10 microL of urine sample were directly injected into the LC/MS/MS system. The method was validated yielding calibration curves with correlation coefficients greater than 0.997 and repeatability coefficient of variation (CV) lower than 9%. The accuracy and precision were evaluated by direct injection of spiked samples at 10 and 100 microg/L obtaining recoveries between 78 and 119% with coefficients of variation below 12%. Limits of detection of 1 microg/L for diethyl phosphate (DEP), diethylthiophosphate (DETP) and diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP) and 2 microg/L for dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP) were achieved, all the analytes being detected in negative ion mode. The fragmentation pathway of dialkyl phosphates allowed us the use of an additional transition for confirmation in order to improve their identification in real-world samples. The applicability of the LC/MS/MS method was demonstrated by applying it to the analysis of urine samples of farmers exposed to the organophosphorus pesticide chlorpyrifos. Good correlation between application of the product in the field (citrus orchards), concentration levels of dialkyl phosphates and levels of the chlorpyrifos-specific metabolite (1,3,5-trichloro-2-pyridinol) was obtained.     

Determination of alpha-tocopherol in infant foods by liquid chromatography combined with atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry

A novel, sensitive and specific method for the quantification of alpha-tocopherol in two infant foods (milk and cereals) using liquid chromatography on-line with positive atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry detection (LC/APCI-MS) has been developed. The samples were first saponified in order to eliminate fats and to transform tocopherol esters into free tocopherol, followed up by a liquid-liquid extraction of the analyte in petroleum benzine/diisopropyl ether (75:25, v/v) prior to injection onto the LC system. For the quantification, deuterium-labelled tocopherol was used as internal standard and the samples were monitored in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Calibration curves between 1-40 microg/mL of alpha-tocopherol showed a good linear correlation (r(2) = 0.99994), and the detection limit was determined to be 2.5 ng/mL. The within-day and between-day precision were determined for several dietetic infant formulae and certified reference samples, and found to be below 3.5%. The accuracy determined on a Nestlé reference sample (milk powder) was calculated to be 115.2 +/- 1.2%, which confirms the robustness of the proposed method. This study shows that single quadrupole LC/MS can be applied for the quantification of vitamins in food and the method offers better sensitivity and selectivity than traditional method such as LC-UV. This would simplify the preparation of the food samples and consequently enhance the vitamin analysis throughput in the food area.     

Comparison of the effectiveness of recent extraction procedures for antibiotic residues in bovine muscle tissues

Acetonitrile extraction followed by primary-secondary amine dispersive SPE cleanup QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe), was compared to pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) using water at 70 degrees C for 10 min at 1500 psi for the determination of 16 veterinary drugs in bovine muscle tissues by LC/MS/MS. PLE was significantly more effective for the extraction of veterinary drugs (ranging from 69 to 103% with RSD < or = 18%) than QuEChERS (ranging from 19 to 89% with RSD < or = 19%). Linearity of the calibration curves was obtained over the range considered from 10 microg/kg or LOQ to 1000, microg/kg) with r2 > or = 0.99 for all the analytes by both methods. Although an internal standard was used, matrix effects were corrected using matrix- matched standards. LODs were from 5 to 30 microg/kg for PLE and from 10 to 100 microg/kg for QuEChERS. To establish and assess the most efficient conditions for each extraction method, statistical parametric and nonparametric tests were used. PLE with water almost eliminates the use or generation of hazardous wastes. The two methods were applied successfully in a routine analysis during surveys in 2008.     

A quantitative method for residues of macrolide antibiotics in porcine kidney by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

An LC/MS/MS-based multiresidue quantitative method was developed for the macrolides erythromycin A, neospiramycin I, oleandomycin, spiramycin I, tilmicosin, and tylosin A in porcine kidney tissues. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) had as part of its analytical scope an LC/UV method for quantification of residues of two macrolide antibiotics, tilmicosin and tylosin A, in the kidney, liver, and muscle of cattle, swine, and poultry. The method could not reliably detect concentrations below 10 microg/kg. To increase the scope of the CFIA's analytical capabilities, a sensitive multiresidue quantitative method for macrolide residues in food animal tissues was required. Porcine kidney samples were extracted with acetonitrile and alkaline buffer and cleaned-up using silica-based C18 SPE cartridges. Sample extracts were analyzed using LC/MS/MS with positive electrospray ionization. Fitness for purpose was verified in a single-laboratory validation study using a second analyst. The working analytical range was 5 to 50 microg/kg. LOD and LOQ were 0.5 to 0.6 microg/kg and 1.5 to 3.0 microg/kg, respectively. Limits of identification were 0.5 to 2.0 microg/kg. Relative intermediate precisions were 8 to 17%. Average absolute recoveries were 68 to 76%.     

Simultaneous determination of saflufenacil and its two metabolites in soil samples by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

Saflufenacil is a new protoporphyrinogen‐IX‐oxidase inhibitor herbicide. When used, it can enter the soil and has a high risk to reach and contaminate groundwater and aquatic systems. A rapid and sensitive method of ultra‐performance LC with MS/MS was developed for the simultaneous determination of saflufenacil and its two metabolites in soil samples. A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method was applied as the pretreatment procedure. The method was validated by five types of soil samples collected from several regions of China, which all showed good linearity (R² ≥ 0.9914) and precision (RSD ≤ 26.2%). The average recoveries of the three analytes ranged between 74.1 and 118.9% at spiking levels of 3–300 μg/kg. The method limits of detection (S/N 3:1) and method limits of quantification (S/N 10:1) achieved are in the ranges of 0.25–2.75 and 0.83–9.16 μg/kg, respectively. This indicated that the developed ultra‐performance LC with MS/MS method is a promising analytical tool for monitoring the environmental risks posed by saflufenacil.     

Development and single-laboratory validation of a reversed-phase liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry method for identification and determination of acrylamide in foods

A rapid and accurate method using reversed-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry interfaced with electrospray was developed for determination of acrylamide in cooked food samples. A simplified sample treatment procedure using an extraction step with acidified water without cleanup was developed. A C18 column with an aqueous formic acid-methanol mixture as the mobile phase was used under isocratic conditions. The method was validated in-house for robustness, limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ), linearity, recovery, and accuracy both on standard and baked-product and potato flour matrixes. Good results in the low ppb level were obtained for LOD (< 15 microg/kg) and LOQ (< 25 microg/kg) of acrylamide in samples. Excellent linearity (r2 = 0.999-1.000) was established over 2 orders of magnitude by performing statistical tests. The absence of both constant and proportional systematic errors demonstrated good method accuracy. Excellent results were obtained for intraday repeatability (RSD < 1.5%) and between-day precision (RSD < 5%). Extraction recoveries from food products were calculated in the 97 +/- 3-99 +/- 2% (n = 6) range with a labeled internal standard (13C3-acrylamide). The applicability of the method to determination of acrylamide in cooked food products was demonstrated.     

Determination of isopropyl-9H-thioxanthen-9-one in packaged beverages by solid-phase extraction clean-up and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection

A simple method was developed and validated for the trace determination of 2-isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) in packaged drinks. Samples were extracted from the food matrix using acetonitrile:water (60:40, v/v), and further subjected to clean-up and preconcentration using solid-phase extraction prior to analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The use of 2-isopropyl-[(2)H7]thioxanthen-9-one was incorporated into the method as an internal standard. Excellent 3-day interday precision data (RSD 0.72%, n=10), and intraday precision data (RSD 0.52%, n=10) were obtained on a 0.10 microg/L standard solution. Spiked samples (n=8) were used to gauge the accuracy of the method at the concentration levels of 2.5, 100, and 500 microg/kg in food; recoveries ranged from 97.0 to 103.0%. These excellent validation data suggest the exciting possibility of using this method for the determination of low levels of ITX migrating from printed food packaging materials into beverages with a method quantitation limit of 0.50 microg/kg. For the first time, analysis on a range of milk, juice, tea and yoghurt drinks, as well as their respective food packaging materials were performed for comparative studies on their ITX content.     

Liquid chromatography with electrospray ion-trap mass spectrometry for the determination of anatoxins in cyanobacteria and drinking water

Anatoxin-a (AN) and homoanatoxin-a (HMAN) are potent neurotoxins produced by a number of cyanobacterial species. A new, sensitive liquid chromatography/multiple tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS(n)) method has been developed for the determination of these neurotoxins. The LC system was coupled, via an electrospray ionisation (ESI) source, to an ion-trap mass spectrometer in positive ion mode. The [M+H](+) ions at m/z 166 (anatoxin-a) and m/z 180 (homoanatoxin-a) were used as the precursor ions for multiple MS experiments. MS(2)bond;MS(4) spectra displayed major fragment ions at m/z 149 (AN), 163 (HMAN), assigned to [Mbond;NH(3)+H](+); m/z 131 (AN), 145 (HMAN), assigned to [Mbond;NH(3)bond;H(2)O+H](+), and m/z 91 [C(7)H(7)](+). Although the chromatographic separation of these neurotoxins is problematic, reversed-phase LC, using a C(18) Luna column, proved successful. Calibration data for anatoxin-a using spiked water samples (10 mL) in LC/MS(n) modes were: LC/MS (25-1000 microg/L), r(2) = 0.998; LC/MS(2) (5-1000(microg/L), r(2) = 0.9993; LC/MS(3) (2.5-1000 microg/L), r(2) = 0.9997. Reproducibility data (% RSD, N = 3) for each LC/MS(n) mode ranged between 2.0 at 500 microg/L and 7.0 at 10 microg/L. The detection limit (S/N = 3) for AN was better than 0.03 ng (on-column) for LC/MS(3) which corresponded to 0.6 microg/L.