Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric confirmatory method for determining aflatoxin M1 in cow milk: comparison between electrospray and atmospheric pressure photoionization sources

A liquid chromatography/electrospray (ESI)-tandem mass spectrometric method for the measurement of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk is described. Milk sample after protein precipitation with acetone was cleaned-up with a Carbograph-4 cartridge. Performances of the ESI source were compared with those of the atmospheric pressure photoionization source (APPI). Although a method quantification limit (MQL) of 6 ng/kg could be achieved operating with APPI source with respect to an MQL of 12 ng/kg with ESI, all the other performances being similar, then ESI was preferred as being more robust and widespread at present.