Multi-residual analysis of 16 β-agonists in pig liver,kidney and muscle by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A delicate method was developed for simultaneous analysis of 16 illegal residual β-agonists in pork tissues including liver, kidney and meat. The samples were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis, extracted with perchloric acid, and then dual Oasis HLB and MCX solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges were used for cleanup. The analytes were quantified by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–ESI–MS/MS) operating in positive multiple-reaction mode (MRM). Matrix-fortified calibration curves were performed to compensate for the matrix effect and loss in sample preparation. CCα and CCβ of the analytes upon the method ranged from 0.02 to 0.79 μg/kg and from 0.04 to 1.62 μg/kg, respectively.     

Development and validation of a liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method for determination of eleven coccidiostats in milk

A reversed phase liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric method with simple solvent extraction and purification by solid phase extraction (SPE) has been developed for the determination of coccidiostats in milk. For sample preparation matrix solid phase dispersion, extraction by organic solvent and SPE with different cartridges were also tested. The compounds determined include lasalocid, narasin, salinomycin, monensin, semduramicin, maduramicin, robenidine, decoquinate, halofuginone, nicarbazin and diclazuril. Main steps of the method are addition of acetonitrile to the milk samples, centrifugation, removal of matrix by SPE, concentration by evaporation and LC–MS–MS determination. During a 15 min time segmented chromatographic run compounds are ionised either positively or negatively. Calculated recoveries range between 77.1% and 118.2%. Maximum levels are in the range of 1–20 μg/kg. The developed method was validated in line with the requirements of Commission Decision 2002/657/EC (2002). It is applicable for control of coccidiostat residues in milk as indicated in Regulation 124/2009/EC (2009).     

Determination of acrylamide in roasted chestnuts and chestnut-based foods by isotope dilution HPLC-MS/MS

A collaboratively trial tested isotope dilution liquid chromatographic method with positive electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of acrylamide in bakery ware and potato products has been extended to the determination of acrylamide in roasted chestnuts and chestnut-based foods. As chestnuts have a similar composition to potatoes, considerable amounts of acrylamide can be expected, especially in roasted chestnut products. This paper presents the concentrations of acrylamide in 31 different chestnut samples (fresh, roasted, flour, cooked, glazed) that were collected in nine European countries during 2005/2006. The influence of the roasting time on the acrylamide content was also experimentally investigated. A test portion was extracted after homogenisation with water and isotopically labelled acrylamide was added. The extract was centrifuged and the supernatant was cleaned-up in two consecutive solid phase extraction steps. The final extract was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). An HPLC column based on graphitised carbon was applied for chromatographic separation. Acrylamide concentrations in purchased roasted chestnuts were in the range of <8–1278 μg/kg whereas only low amounts (<4–159 μg/kg) were found in chestnut products. However, the median acrylamide content of the commercial roasted chestnut samples was 90 μg/kg. The influence of the roasting time on the acrylamide content in roasted chestnuts was evaluated too. As with roasted and fried potato products, the roasting time has a significant influence on the acrylamide formation. Therefore, the consumers might be exposed to significant amounts of acrylamide by eating roasted chestnuts, especially when a batch remains in the roasting vessel for too long time.     

Development and validation of a new LC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of six major ergot alkaloids and their corresponding epimers. Application to some food and feed commodities

A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of six major ergot alkaloids, ergometrine, ergosine, ergotamine, ergocornine, ergokryptine and ergocristine, as well as their corresponding epimers in food and feed samples. The method involves extraction under alkaline conditions and subsequent clean-up by applying a simple and rapid liquid–liquid partitioning procedure prior to LC–MS/MS analysis. Evaluation of the method revealed good linearity, accuracy and precision. The limits of quantification varied from 0.1 to 1 μg/kg depending on the analyte and matrix. The average extraction and clean-up recoveries in different matrices were between 45 (only for ergometrine in biscuit) and 90%. The uncertainty associated with the analytical method was not higher than 51% and 30%, at concentration levels of 2.5 and 150 μg/kg respectively. Analyte epimerization proved to be minimal during the analytical procedure. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of ergot alkaloids in some Belgian food and feed commodities. Ergot alkaloids were found in 104 out of 122 samples investigated. Ergosine was the most frequently occurring alkaloid, while the highest levels were observed for ergotamine, ergocristine or ergosine, depending on the product type. The total alkaloid content in positive samples varied from 1 to 1145 μg/kg.     

Determination of aflatoxin levels in nuts and their products consumed in South Korea

A total of 85 nuts and their products marketed in South Korea were assessed for aflatoxins using a monitoring scheme consisting of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for rapid screening, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for quantification and LC–mass spectrometry (MS) for confirmation. Thirty-one out of 85 samples gave ELISA readings above 0.06 and were screened as possible positive samples. Aflatoxin contents of possible positive samples were determined using HPLC with a detection limit of 0.08–1.25 μg/kg and a quantification limit of 0.15–2.50 μg/kg. Nine samples including 1 raw peanut, 4 roasted peanuts, 2 peanut butters, 1 pistachio and 1 seasoned assorted nut were contaminated with aflatoxins (10.6% of incidence), ranging in various levels up to 28.2 μg/kg. LC–MS analysis on contaminated samples revealed that peaks eluting at 4.4, 5.2, 9.1 and 11.9 min were confirmed as aflatoxin G₁, aflatoxin B₁, aflatoxin G₂ and aflatoxin B₂, respectively.     

Deoxynivalenol and nivalenol in commercial wheat grain related to Fusarium head blight epidemics in southern Brazil

A three-year (2006-2008) survey on commercial wheat grain was conducted aimed at quantifying the intensity of Fusarium head blight epidemics related to kernel quality and levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV). Grain samples, obtained from 38 municipalities throughout the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were assessed visually for Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) and chemically using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Overall FDK mean levels were 15.5%, not differing among the years. Co-contamination was predominant (59/66) across samples and overall mean levels of DON and NIV were 540 and 337 μg/kg, respectively. When the levels of both mycotoxins were added together (DON + NIV), a higher correlation with FDK was found (R = 0.36, P < 0.01), compared to single toxin data. For the first time, the presence of NIV in levels comparable to DON is reported from a multi-year regional epidemiological survey in the country which should be of concern to the small grains industry.     

Supercritical fluid extraction in situ derivatization for simultaneous determination of chloramphenicol,florfenicol and thiamphenicol in shrimp

The applicability of supercritical fluid extraction in situ derivatization was investigated for determination of trace amounts of amphenicols (chloramphenicol, florfenicol and thiamphenicol) in shrimp. Quantification was performed by using electron-capture negative chemical ionisation-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (NCI–GC/MS). The parameters of supercritical fluid extraction (addition of modifier, temperature, pressure, extraction time and extraction mode) and in situ derivatization (collection solvent and derivatization reagent) were varied with control. The optimum extractions were obtained using 600 μL ethyl acetate as a modifier for supercritical carbon dioxide with static extraction for 5 min, then dynamic extraction for 10 min at 25 MPa and 60 °C. The conditions for in situ derivatization were 200 μL N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide containing 1% trimethylchlorosilane in 20 mL ethyl acetate as collection solvent. The new method of supercritical fluid extraction in situ derivatization was found to be linear over the concentration range of 20–5000 pg/g, with detection limits ranging from 8.7 to 17.4 pg/g (using the selective ion monitoring mode), with a R.S.D. (relative standard deviation) less than 15.3% (n = 5). Analysis of spiked shrimp samples revealed that matrix had little effect on extraction. The results presented here indicate that supercritical fluid extraction in situ derivatization is for the trace analysis of amphenicol bacteriostats in shrimp samples.     

Detection of Aspergillus spp. and aflatoxin B1 in rice in India

Twelve hundred rice samples consisting of paddy (675) and milled rice (525) were collected from 20 states across India. These samples were assessed for Aspergillus spp. infection on selective medium and aflatoxin B₁ (AFB1) by indirect competitive ELISA. In this investigation, Aspergillus flavus contamination dominated in all the seed samples. The other major contaminants were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Out of 1200 rice samples, 67.8% showed AFB1 ranging from 0.1 to 308.0 μg/kg. All the paddy samples from Chattishgarh, Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu showed AFB1 contamination. Milled rice grains from different states showed below the permissible levels of AFB1 (average 0.5–3.5 μg/kg). Eighty-two percent of samples from open storage that were exposed to rain showed AFB1 contamination followed by one-year-old seed. Out of 1200 samples, 2% showed AFB1 contamination above the permissible limits (>30 μg/kg). This is the first comprehensive report of aflatoxin contamination in rice across 20 states in India.     

Development and validation of an HPLC-method for determination of free and bound phenolic acids in cereals after solid-phase extraction

Whole cereal grains are a good source of phenolic acids associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. This paper reports the development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection (HPLC–DAD) method for the determination of phenolic acids in cereals in either free or bound form. Extraction of free phenolic acids and clean-up was performed by an optimised solid-phase extraction (SPE) protocol on Oasis HLB cartridges using aqueous methanol as eluant. The mean recovery of analytes ranged between 84% and 106%. Bound phenolic acids were extracted using alkaline hydrolysis with mean recoveries of 80–95%, except for gallic acid, caffeic acid and protocatechuic acid. Both free and bound phenolic extracts were separated on a Nucleosil 100 C₁₈ column, 5 μm (250 mm × 4.6 mm) thermostated at 30 °C, using a linear gradient elution system consisting of 1% (v/v) acetic acid in methanol. Method validation was performed by means of linearity, accuracy, intra-day and inter-day precision and sensitivity. Detection limits ranged between 0.13 and 0.18 μg/g. The method was applied to the analysis of free and bound phenolic acids contents in durum wheat, bread wheat, barley, oat, rice, rye, corn and triticale.     

Quantification of (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin in coconut water by LC–MS

An analytical technique has been developed to detect trace amounts of both (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin in the coconut water extract. Both (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin in the coconut water were found for the first time by the solid-phase extraction, and they were further analysed using liquid chromatography (LC)–ion trap mass spectrometry (MS) equipped with positive atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation interface on multiple reaction monitoring mode. The limit of detection and quantification for (+)-catechin were 7.8 and 15.6 μg/ml, respectively, while those for (−)-epicatechin were 3.9 and 7.8 μg/ml, respectively. The average concentration of (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin in the coconut water was 0.344 and 0.242 μg/ml, respectively. The LC–MS/MS analysis accelerated the quantitative analysis of (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin in the coconut water extract with high accuracy, precision and recovery. Results obtained in this study will serve as quality control and useful reference for drug development.     

Natural occurrence of citrinin in widely consumed traditional Chinese food red yeast rice, medicinal plants and their related products

Natural occurrence of citrinin in traditional Chinese food red yeast rice, medicinal plants and their related products has been investigated for the first time. Samples were extracted by methanol/water, cleaned-up with an immunoaffinity column (IAC) and quantified by HPLC-FLD. The mean recoveries, spiking with citrinin at levels ranging from 25 to 200 μg/kg, were 73.4-92.5%, and the coefficients of variations (CVs) were 1.4-7.9%. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.8 μg/kg. Out of a total of 109 widely consumed samples analysed, citrinin was detected in 31 samples (28%) ranging from 16.6 to 5253 μg/kg, all of them derived from 59 red yeast rice and related products. None of the remaining 50 medicinal plants samples was found to contain citrinin. The positive samples were further confirmed using LC-ESI-MS/MS.     

Aflatoxins contamination in spices and processed spice products commercialized in Korea

A survey for total aflatoxins (aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁, and G₂) was conducted on 88 spices and processed spice products commercialized in Korea. The presence of aflatoxins was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detector using immunoaffinity column clean-up. Total aflatoxins (AFs) are detected in 12 samples (13.6% of incidence) including seven red pepper powder, two red pepper pastes (Kochujang), two curry and one ginger product. The contamination levels are 0.08–4.45 μg/kg as aflatoxin B₁ and 0.08–4.66 μg/kg as AFs. The liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis on contaminated samples was conducted for the confirmation of detected aflatoxins. The 12 samples which showed aflatoxins by HPLC/FLD were confirmed as aflatoxins by LC–MS/MS.     

A survey on distribution and toxigenicity of Aspergillus section Flavi in poultry feeds

Thirty-five samples of poultry feeds and corresponding raw materials (maize, soybean and meat meal) from a processing plant were analyzed to evaluate the distribution and toxigenicity of Aspergillus section Flavi isolates. Mycological analysis of the samples indicated the presence of five fungal genera (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Cladosporium, and Eurotium). Aspergillus flavus was the predominant species being present in 48.5% of the analyzed samples. Ninety-one isolates belonging to Aspergillus section Flavi were isolated; ninety were identified as A. flavus and only one as A. parasiticus. Fifty-seven isolates were capable of producing sclerotia, 41 were identified as L-type strains and 16 as type S. Fifty-seven percent of the isolates produced AFB₁ levels ranging from 0.05 μg/kg to 27.7 μg/kg whereas 86.8% produced CPA from 1.5 μg/kg to 137.8 μg/kg. L-strains produced from 0.05 to 14.8 μg/kg of aflatoxin and type S produced levels from 0.05 to 1.65 μg/kg. No significant differences in CPA production among S- and L-strains were observed. Sclerotial isolates produced AFB₁ levels ranging between 0.05 and 27.7 μg/kg and CPA levels from 3.8 to 47.3 μg/kg. More than half of the A. flavus isolates were able to produce AFB and CPA simultaneously. Twenty percent of the 35 samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B₁ whereas 34.3% were contaminated with CPA. The high rate of CPA producing isolates represents a potential risk of contamination with this toxin in poultry feeds.     

Distribution of fungi and aflatoxins in a stored peanut variety

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the mycoflora and occurrence of aflatoxins in stored peanut samples (hulls and kernels) from Tupã, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The samples were analyzed monthly over a period of one year. The results showed a predominance of Fusarium spp. (67.7% in hulls and 25.8% in kernels) and Aspergillus spp. (10.3% in hulls and 21.8% in kernels), and the presence of five other genera. The growth of Aspergillus flavus was mainly influenced by temperature and relative humidity. Analysis of hulls showed that 6.7% of the samples were contaminated with AFB₁ (mean levels = 15–23.9 μg/kg) and AFB₂ (mean levels = 3.3–5.6 μg/kg); in kernels, 33.3% of the samples were contaminated with AFB₁ (mean levels = 7.0–116 μg/kg) and 28.3% were contaminated with AFB₂ (mean levels = 3.3–45.5 μg/kg). Analysis of the toxigenic potential revealed that 93.8% of the A. flavus strains isolated were producers of AFB₁ and AFB₂.     

Sensitive determination of domoic acid in shellfish by on-line coupling of weak anion exchange solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography–diode array detection–tandem mass spectrometry

An automated method based on the use of on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled to liquid chromatography with diode array detection and tandem mass spectrometry (LC–DAD–MS/MS) has been developed for the determination of domoic acid in shellfish. The on-line coupling of SPE and liquid chromatography was accomplished by a column switching approach. A weak anion exchange (WAX) sorbent was selected for the SPE procedure, allowing a selective cleanup of shellfish extracts. High sensitivity was achieved by on-line pre-concentration of large volume injections (50–1000 μL). A simple protein precipitation cleanup with acetone was used to efficiently remove proteins from shellfish extracts, preventing possible column clogging during chromatographic separation.     

Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in edible oils and barbecued food by HPLC/UV–Vis detection

Determination of nine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in corn, sunflower, olive oils and barbecued meat and fish by HPLC/UV–Vis method is described. The extraction procedure included a saponification, liquid–liquid extraction and finally purification of PAHs through a house-made silica–alumina column. Chromatographic determination was based on separation of PAHs on ODS column and measurement at 254 nm. All polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were separated and analyzed in 12 min on reversed phase ODS column with acetonitrile/water mobile phase at 1.5 mL min⁻¹ flow rate. The detection limits of nine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ranged from 0.26 to 1.15 μg L⁻¹ at a signal/noise ratio of 3. The linearity of the method was between 0.9951 and 0.9996. Oil samples contain different PAHs ranging from 0.44 to 98.92 μg L⁻¹. Barbecuing process increased the concentration (in the range of 2- to 8-fold) and caused the formation of PAHs in food samples.     

Rapid determination of organophosphorous pesticides in leeks by gas chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

A rapid multi-residue method was developed for the determination of 20 organophosphorous pesticide residues in leeks by gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC–QqQ-MS/MS). The method was based on the modified QuEChERS sample preparation method. After microwave pre-treatment, leek samples were extracted with acetonitrile containing acetic acid 0.1% and cleaned by dispersive solid phase extraction. The QqQ analyser acquired data in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. Recoveries of 20 organophosphorous pesticides ranged from 81.0% to 109.4% with the relative standard deviations (RSD) below 10.4%. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.07–1.5 μg/kg. The limits of quantitation (LOQs) ranged from 0.25 to 5 μg/kg. Ten leek samples were analysed for method application.     

Simultaneous quantitative determination of Sudan dyes using liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure photoionization–tandem mass spectrometry

Atmospheric pressure photoionization–tandem mass spectrometry (APPI–MS/MS) method has been developed for quantitative determination of Sudan I to IV dyes. This study demonstrates the applicability of a simple isocratic normal phase HPLC method using isopropanol (0.3%) in n-hexane as the mobile phase for the separation of these dyes. A simple extraction procedure using n-hexane has been applied for the extraction of these dyes from spiked samples of chilli powder and tomato sauce. The quantitative determination of Sudan I to IV is obtained from the spiked tomato sauce and chilli powder samples by external standard method under single reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The study includes a detailed investigation on LOD, LOQ, linearity and recovery of Sudan I to IV dyes. The LOD ranged from 5–18 μg/l and LOQ ranged from 10–24 μg/l. The present method can be a powerful analytical tool for the simultaneous quantitative determination of Sudan dyes present in food products.     

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of curcuminoids in herbal medicines derived from Curcuma species

A validated and sensitive HPLC–UV–MS method was developed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of curcuminoids in eight herbal medicines derived from four Curcuma species. The samples were separated on a YMC ODS-A C₁₈ column with a gradient elution of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid. Curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin showed good linearity (r > 0.9998) in the concentration ranges of 4.88–625, 4.29–550 and 3.98–510 μg/mL, respectively. The results suggested that the contents of three major curcuminoids in different herbal medicines varied significantly. Curcuminoids were only detected in Jianghuang, HuangsiYujin, and PengEzhu. Amongst them, Jianghuang contained the highest amounts of curcuminoids (40.36 mg/g), which were almost 20 times higher than HuangsiYujin (1.94 mg/g) and 400 times higher than PengEzhu (0.098 mg/g). Furthermore, amongst the Jianghuang samples collected from different areas, samples from Sichuan Province contained remarkably higher amounts of curcuminoids (22.21–40.36 mg/g) than other cultivation regions.     

Automated on-line solid-phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for determination of lipophilic marine toxins in shellfish

Automated on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled to liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) has been developed for fast determination of lipophilic marine toxins in shellfish samples. The direct coupling of an on-line SPE column to LC–MS/MS was accomplished using column switching techniques. Suitable chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed-phase C18 column under alkaline conditions (pH 11).