A QuEChERS based extraction procedure coupled to UPLC-MS/MS detection for mycotoxins analysis in beer

Area of Science:

• Food Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Mycotoxins in beer pose a significant food safety risk.
• Existing analytical methods may not cover the full spectrum of mycotoxins, including emerging and masked forms.
• Accurate and sensitive detection methods are crucial for regulatory compliance and consumer protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel analytical method for the simultaneous identification and quantification of a wide range of mycotoxins in beer.
• To establish a robust protocol for mycotoxin analysis that incorporates sample concentration prior to extraction.
• To ensure the method's suitability for routine laboratory analysis and compliance with European regulations.

Main Methods:

• Development of a QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) extraction technique.
• Application of ultra-high liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for sensitive detection.
• In-house validation including determination of limits of detection (LODs), limits of quantification (LOQs), linearity, repeatability, and recoveries.

Main Results:

• Successful identification and quantification of 23 mycotoxins, encompassing regulated, emerging, and masked compounds.
• Recoveries for most mycotoxins were within the acceptable range of 70% to 110%.
• Achieved low limits of quantification (LOQs) ranging from 0.038 to 30.43 µg/L, generally below European regulatory limits.

Conclusions:

• The developed QuEChERS extraction combined with UPLC-MS/MS provides a reliable and sensitive method for mycotoxin analysis in beer.
• The method demonstrates excellent performance characteristics, meeting the requirements for routine analysis.
• This approach supports regulatory compliance and enhances food safety by enabling comprehensive mycotoxin monitoring in beer.