Multi-class cyanobacterial toxin analysis using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Cyanobacteria produce a diverse array of potent toxins like microcystins, nodularins, anatoxins, cylindrospermopsins, and saxitoxins.
• Accurate detection of these toxins in environmental and biological samples is crucial due to their varying chemical properties and toxicity mechanisms.
• Existing analytical methods often require multiple extraction and analysis techniques, complicating comprehensive toxin profiling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a single, efficient method for the extraction and analysis of major cyanotoxin classes.
• To provide a robust tool for quantitative screening of cyanotoxins in diverse matrices.
• To address the growing need for monitoring cyanotoxins amidst increasing global cyanobacterial blooms.

Main Methods:

• A three-step liquid-solid extraction using 75% acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid.
• Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) with a gradient elution for separating polar and less polar toxins.
• Detection via tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using selected reaction monitoring (SRM) with polarity switching.

Main Results:

• The method demonstrated good precision (1.5–5.8% RSD) and low detection limits (0.01–0.99 µg/g).
• High recovery rates (83–107%) were achieved when spiking samples with known cyanotoxins.
• Successful application in analyzing cyanobacterial cultures, field samples, and shellfish reference materials was shown.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a powerful and versatile tool for the simultaneous quantification of major cyanotoxin classes.
• Its applicability across various sample types, including environmental and biological matrices, makes it valuable for toxin monitoring.
• The method is adaptable for other polar toxins, enhancing its utility in public health and environmental safety efforts.