Determination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins from maize by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry

Abstract

Direct analysis in real time (DART) ionisation coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) was used for the rapid quantitative analysis of T-2 toxin (T-2) and the related HT-2 toxin (HT-2), extracted from maize. Sample preparation procedures and instrument parameters were optimised to obtain sensitive and accurate determination of the toxins. The lowest calibration levels were 50 μg/kg for T-2 and 300 μg/kg for HT-2. Quantitative analysis was performed with the use of matrix-matched standards employing the 13C-labelled internal standard for T-2. DART-MS of maize extracts spiked with T-2 gave a linear response over the range of 50-1000 μg/kg. With the isotope dilution technique, good recoveries (99-110%) and repeatabilities (relative standard deviaiton 7.4-11.6%) were obtained at T-2 spiking levels of 100 and 1000 μg/kg. Adaptability of the developed method was demonstrated by analysis of T-2 and HT-2 from an oat flour quality control material. The results here further indicate the potential for application of ambient ionisation mass spectrometry to provide accurate, convenient quantitation of mycotoxins from grains.