Ion source component development for ambient mass spectrometry-based mycotoxin detection in ready-to-eat corn

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Food Safety

Background:

• Mycotoxin contamination in food poses significant health risks.
• Accurate and rapid detection methods are crucial for food safety monitoring.
• Existing methods for mycotoxin analysis can be time-consuming and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid and sensitive method for simultaneous determination of nine mycotoxins in ready-to-eat corn.
• To utilize a novel hydrophilic covalent organic frameworks coated steel substrate (HCOFCS) platform for mycotoxin analysis.
• To integrate solid-phase extraction with ambient mass spectrometry (AMS) for efficient mycotoxin detection.

Main Methods:

• Development of a hydrophilic covalent organic frameworks coated steel substrate (HCOFCS).
• Application of HCOFCS for simultaneous solid-phase extraction of nine mycotoxins.
• Detection of mycotoxins using ambient mass spectrometry (AMS) with electrospray ionization (ESI-MS).
• Analysis of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, Zearalenone, Zearalanone, Zearalenol, Zearalanol, and Ochratoxin A.

Main Results:

• The HCOFCS-ESI-MS method achieved a detection time of approximately 1 minute.
• Excellent linearity was observed with a coefficient of determination (R²) > 0.99.
• Low limits of detection (0.01–0.12 µg/kg) and quantitation (0.1–0.7 µg/kg) were achieved.
• High recoveries (83.62%–96.97%) and low relative standard deviations (<11.53%) were obtained.
• The HCOFCS material demonstrated reusability for at least six cycles without significant loss of efficiency.

Conclusions:

• The developed HCOFCS-ESI-MS method provides a rapid, sensitive, and reliable approach for simultaneous mycotoxin determination in ready-to-eat corn.
• This method offers a promising tool for routine food safety analysis and quality control.
• The reusability and efficiency of the HCOFCS material highlight its potential for sustainable analytical applications.