Title : Optimization of zearalenone and trichothecenes detection by GC-MS
Abstract:
Mycotoxins are potentially toxic secondary metabolites produced by many filamentous fungi from genera Fusarium, Trichthecium, Myrothecium, Stachybotrys and Xylaria. In recent decades, more efficient analytical methods (with higher sensitivity and resolution) have been progressively established, making the GC method one of the suitable and advantageous choices for the qualitative and quantitative determination of mycotoxins. In this study, the GC-MS technique was optimized for the detection of zearalenone and several trichothecenes, including FUS-X, NIV, DAS, HT-2, NEO, T-2 triol, T-2 tetraol, DON, 3-ADON, 15-ADON, and T-2, to ensure the food safety of food. This approach utilizes a QuEChERS-based extraction technique, followed by chromatographic optimization through two different derivatizing agents. The optimized method was rigorously assessed for calibration accuracy, matrix interference, detection sensitivity, and quantitation limits, demonstrating consistent and acceptable recovery rates across all target mycotoxin analytes. Since the gradient of temperature is one of the most important parameters for the mycotoxin analytical separation efficacy in the chromatographic column, several oven programs were investigated. Therefore, initial temperature, final temperature, heating rate, and holding time were carefully optimized in this study to enhance the chromatographic performance of mycotoxins within the shortest possible analysis time. In addition, the type of derivatization reagents and derivatization conditions especially the temperature and time of reaction, were optimized. Few detailed specifications are found in the literature about this issue, and it is a step of paramount importance for mycotoxin analysis by GC-MS. To sum up, a rapid detection method for the detection of zearalenone and trichothecenes has been developed, providing chromatographic information on selected mycotoxins separation carried out in 15 minutes. This multi-analyte approach offers significant practical benefits, including straightforward implementation, cost-effectiveness, and high-throughput capability, making it a robust solution for comprehensive mycotoxin surveillance in complex food samples.
