Optimizing a GC-MS method for screening of Stachybotrys mycotoxins in indoor environments
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Erica Bloom1, Karol Bal, Eva Nyman
1Lund University, Dept of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Medical Microbiology, Lund, Sweden.
Abstract:
Presence of Stachybotrys chartarum in indoor environments has been linked to building-associated disease, however, the causative agents are unknown. Verrucarol (VER) and trichodermol (TRID) are hydrolysis products of some major S. chartarum mycotoxins, i.e. macrocyclic trichothecenes and trichodermin. We optimized gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods for detecting VER and TRID in S. chartarum-contaminated indoor environmental samples. Heptafluorobutyryl derivatives of both VER and TRID exhibited little MS fragmentation and gave much higher detection sensitivity (sub-picogram injected onto the GC column), both in GC-MS and GC-MSMS, than trimethylsilyl derivatives. Optimal detection sensitivity and specificity was achieved by combining chemical ionization and negative ion (NICI) detection with MSMS. With this method, VER and TRID were detected in building materials colonized by S. chartarum and TRID was demonstrated in dust settled in the breathing zone in a house where an inner wall was colonized. In summary, we have shown that NICI-GC-MSMS can be used to demonstrate mycotoxins in house dust in S. chartarum-contaminated dwellings.
Insights
This study optimized methods to detect specific mycotoxins, verrucarol and trichodermol, produced by Stachybotrys chartarum. These mycotoxins were successfully identified in contaminated building materials and house dust, aiding in understanding building-associated disease.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Stachybotrys chartarum presence in indoor environments is linked to building-associated disease.
- The specific causative agents of these diseases remain largely unknown.
- Verrucarol (VER) and trichodermol (TRID) are hydrolysis products of major S. chartarum mycotoxins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods for detecting VER and TRID.
- To enhance detection sensitivity and specificity for mycotoxins in indoor environmental samples.
Main Methods:
- Optimization of GC-MS methods for VER and TRID detection.
- Derivatization using heptafluorobutyryl for enhanced sensitivity.
- Utilizing negative ion chemical ionization (NICI) with MSMS for optimal detection.
Main Results:
- Heptafluorobutyryl derivatives showed significantly higher detection sensitivity compared to trimethylsilyl derivatives.
- NICI-GC-MSMS achieved optimal sensitivity and specificity.
- VER and TRID were detected in S. chartarum-colonized building materials.
- TRID was detected in house dust from a contaminated dwelling.
Conclusions:
- NICI-GC-MSMS is a viable method for demonstrating mycotoxins in house dust.
- This technique can identify mycotoxins in S. chartarum-contaminated dwellings.
- The findings contribute to understanding the agents responsible for building-associated diseases.
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