Abstract:

In order to improve detection sensitivity of aflatoxions, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was established for the simultaneously qualitative and quantitative analysis of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2. Samples were sequentially extracted by acetonitrile-water at a ratio of 84:16 (V/V), cleaned up with multifunctional cleaning column. After injection, the chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column using a mobile phase composed of a mixture of 0.1% formic acid and methanol through gradient elution. The analysis was realized by multiple reaction-monitoring modes. Under above conditions, aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 could be completely separated in 5 min with an excellent linear relationship. The determination limits for 4 kinds of aflatoxins were 0.012, 0.009, 0.013μg/kg and 0.007μg/kg, respectively. The recovery rate of spiked samples was in the range of 80%－95% with a relative standard deviation less than 5%. This method can provide a rapid, sensitive, accurate and reproducible detection for aflatoxins and its detection limit is sensitive enough to meet the European regulation for aflatoxins.

Key words: liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, aflatoxins, food