In this report, we describe a completely automated sample preparation workflow for the extraction and screening of multi-mycotoxin residues in different food matrices (corn, wheat) by LC/MS/MS. The extraction and cleanup was performed using a GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS XL) followed by LC/MS/MS determination using an AB SCIEX QTRAP® 4500. The automated sample preparation workflow involved centrifugation, dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) and evaporative concentration, providing extraction efficiencies greater than 70 % with RSDs less than 15 % for most analytes.
The LC/MS/MS method was developed for screening for a panel of 14 mycotoxins (aflatoxins, trichotecenes and fuminosins) using the Scheduled MRM™ algorithm in combination with fast polarity switching, achieving excellent linearity (R2 values of 0.98 or greater) , average accuracies greater than 88 % and limits of quantitation lower than the action levels established by the EC and FDA.
