High-Throughput Analytical Strategy Based on Modified QuEChERS Extraction and Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction Clean-up Followed by Liquid Chromatography-Triple-Quadrupole Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Quantification of Multiclass Mycotoxins in Cereals

A simple, reliable, efficient, selective and sensitive QuEChERS-based (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) sample preparation strategy, involving an initial partitioning step using acidified acetonitrile (ACN), MgSO₄, NaCl and citrate buffer salts, combined with dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) clean-up, is proposed for the simultaneous multiclass mycotoxins quantification, including aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes and zearalenone, in cereals. The final clear extracts were concentrated under vacuum to near dryness and taken-up with the initial mobile phase (MeOH:H₂O;70:30, v/v) previous to reversed-phase liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. Careful optimization of the LC-ESI-MS/MS parameters was achieved in order to attain a fast separation and increased sensitivity. The detection was carried out on a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) by electrospray ionization in positive ion mode (ESI⁺) with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Tandem MS conditions were optimised in order to increase selectivity, selecting the best transitions (parent ion to quantifier and qualifier ions) for quantification and identification. The performance of the method was assessed and compared to European Commission (EC) Regulations, by studying the selectivity, specificity, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), linear dynamic range (LDR), matrix effect, accuracy, precision, and uncertainty. Good linearity (r ²?>?0.9713) was achieved for all mycotoxins investigated, and LODs (S/N?=?3) and LOQs (S/N?=?10) were below the tolerance levels of mycotoxins set by EC. Recoveries of the extraction process, obtained with different spiked concentrations, ranged from 72.9 to 120.6 %, with relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 23.0 %. Only in 6 % of all combinations did the RSD values exceed 15 %. Matrix effects were observed by comparing the slope of matrix-matched standard calibration with that of the solvent. The developed method was applied to evaluate the co-occurrence of multiclass mycotoxins in cereals collected at the importation points and consumer habitations at Madeira Island. Samples collected at importation points (15 wheat samples, 4 maize samples and 2 rice samples) showed the presence of DON in three wheat samples, and FB1 and HT-2 in one wheat sample. Three maize samples were detected with FB1 (two samples) and AFG₂ (one sample) whereas one rice sample was detected with ZEN. The results revealed the absence of target mycotoxins on the rice samples collected at consumer habitations. None of the studied cereal samples exceeded the maximum permissible limits or indicative levels set by the EC which means that the particular Madeira Island subtropical climate conditions do not represent a major risk for cereal contamination, taking into account the investigated mycotoxins.